Neisseria meningitidis composition and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, the invention relates to a non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B subfamily A A12 polypeptide. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugated capsular saccharide from a meningococcal serogroup.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/237,005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,724,402), filed on Aug. 15, 2016, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/604,620 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,561,269), filed on Jan. 23, 2015, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/787,594 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,710), filed on Mar. 6, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/609,257 filed Mar. 9, 2012. Each of the aforementioned applications is herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to Neisseria meningitidis compositions and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative encapsulated bacterium that can cause sepsis, meningitis and death. N. meningitidis can be classified into about 13 serogroups (including serogroups A, B, C, E29, H, I, K, L, W-135, X, Y and Z) based on chemically and antigenically distinctive polysaccharide capsules. Five of the serogroups (A, B, C, Y, and W135) are responsible for the majority of disease.

Meningococcal meningitis is a devastating disease that can kill children and young adults within hours despite the availability of antibiotics. There is a need for improved immunogenic compositions against meningococcal serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W135 and/or X.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet these and other needs, the present invention relates to Neisseria meningitidis compositions and methods thereof.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide including an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71, wherein the first twenty amino acid residues of the sequence does not contain a cysteine.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions 1-184 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions 158-185 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In another embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions 159-186 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes at least 6 contiguous amino acids from the amino acid sequence at positions 185-254 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-pyruvylated.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-lipidated.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is immunogenic.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide including an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the first twenty amino acid residues of the sequence does not contain a cysteine.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 77.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-pyruvylated. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-lipidated. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is immunogenic.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including the polypeptide as in any of the embodiments aforementioned. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including the polypeptide as in any of the embodiments described herein.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding an isolated polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid sequence includes SEQ ID NO: 72.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least two conjugates selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least three conjugates selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a subfamily A polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a subfamily B polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A22.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B01.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B22.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B24.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO: 75. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 77.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response against Neisseria meningitidis in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting a bactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. In yet another embodiment, the cysteine at position 1 of the polypeptide is deleted. In a further embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 77.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting a bactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an immunogenic composition including an an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. In yet another embodiment, the cysteine at position 1 of the polypeptide is deleted. In a further embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 77.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting a bactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis in a mammal, including administering to the mammal an effective amount of an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-F: P2086 Variant Nucleic Acid Sequences.

FIG. 2A-C: P2086 Variant Amino Acid Sequences. The Gly/Ser stalk in the N-terminal tail of each variant is underlined.

FIG. 3: Structure of the ORF2086 Protein

FIG. 4: Removal of N-terminal Cys Results in Loss of Expression in E. coli.

FIG. 5: Effect of Gly/Ser Stalk Length on Non-lipidated ORF2086 Variant Expression. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled B01 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled B44 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 36. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled A05 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 37. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled A22 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 38. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled B22 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 39. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled A19 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 40.

FIG. 6: High Levels of Non-lipidated B09 Expression Despite A Short Gly/Ser Stalk. The left two lanes demonstrated expression of the N-terminal Cys-deleted B09 variant before and after induction. The third and fourth lanes demonstrate expression of the N-terminal Cys positive B09 variant before and after induction. The right most lane is a molecular weight standard. The amino acid sequence shown under the image is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41. The nucleotide sequence representative of the N-terminal Cys-deleted A22 variant, referred to as “A22_001” in the figure, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, which is shown under SEQ ID NO: 41 in the figure. The nucleotide sequence representative of the N-terminal Cys-deleted B22 variant, referred to as “B22_001” in the figure, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52. The nucleotide sequence representative of the N-terminal Cys-deleted B09 variant, referred to as “B09_004” in the figure, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53.

FIG. 7: Codon Optimization Increases Expression of Non-lipidated B22 and A22 Variants. The left panel demonstrates expression of the N-terminal Cys-deleted B22 variant before (lanes 1 and 3) and after (lanes 2 and 4) IPTG induction. The right panel demonstrates expression of the N-terminal Cys-deleted A22 variant before (lane 7) and after (lane 8) IPTG induction. Lanes 5 and 6 are molecular weight standards.

FIG. 8A-H: P2086 Variant Nucleic and Amino Acid Sequences

FIG. 9A-9B: Sequence alignment of selected wild-type subfamily A and B fHBP variants discussed in Examples 15-19. Note that the N-terminus of A62 is 100% identical to B09 and its C-terminus is 100% identical to A22. The sequences shown are A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13); A12 (SEQ ID NO: 14); A22 (SEQ ID NO: 15); A62 (SEQ ID NO: 70); B09 (SEQ ID NO: 18); B24 (SEQ ID NO: 20); and Consensus (SEQ ID NO: 78).

SEQUENCE IDENTIFIERS

SEQ ID NO: 1 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A04 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 2 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 3 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A12 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 4 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A12-2 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 5 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 6 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B02 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 7 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B03 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 8 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 9 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 10 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 11 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44 gene, which includes a codon encoding an N-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 12 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A04, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 13 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 14 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A12, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 15 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 16 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B02, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 17 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B03, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 18 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 19 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 20 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 21 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 22 sets forth a DNA sequence for a forward primer, shown in Example 2. SEQ ID NO: 23 sets forth a DNA sequence for a reverse primer, shown in Example 2.

SEQ ID NO: 24 sets forth a DNA sequence for a forward primer, shown in Example 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 25 sets forth a DNA sequence for a reverse primer, shown in Example 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 26 sets forth a DNA sequence for a forward primer, shown in Example 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 27 sets forth a DNA sequence for a reverse primer, shown in Example 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 28 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown in Example 4.

SEQ ID NO: 29 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown in Example 4, which is encoded by, for example SEQ ID NO: 28.

SEQ ID NO: 30 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown in Example 4.

SEQ ID NO: 31 sets forth the amino acid sequence a Gly/Ser stalk, shown in Example 4, which is encoded by, for example SEQ ID NO: 30.

SEQ ID NO: 32 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown in Example 4.

SEQ ID NO: 33 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, which is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 34.

SEQ ID NO: 34 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown in Example 4.

SEQ ID NO: 35 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B01, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 36 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 37 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 38 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 39 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 40 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A19, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 41 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of a N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant, shown in FIG. 6.

SEQ ID NO: 42 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, shown in FIG. 6.

SEQ ID NO: 43 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 11. Plasmid pDK087 includes SEQ ID NO: 43.

SEQ ID NO: 44 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44. SEQ ID NO: 44 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 21 is deleted. SEQ ID 44 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 43. SEQ ID NO: 45 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, and wherein the sequence includes codons encoding an additional Gly/Ser region, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8. Plasmid pEB063 includes SEQ ID NO: 45. SEQ ID NO: 46 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8. Plasmid pEB064 includes SEQ ID NO: 46. SEQ ID NO: 47 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8. Plasmid pEB 065 includes SEQ ID NO: 47. SEQ ID NO: 48 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8. Plasmid pLA134 includes SEQ ID NO: 48. SEQ ID NO: 49 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09. SEQ ID NO: 49 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 18 is deleted. SEQ ID 49 is encoded by, for example, a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, and SEQ ID NO: 48. SEQ ID NO: 50 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted and wherein the sequence includes codons encoding an additional Gly/Ser region, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 18. SEQ ID NO: 50 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 45. SEQ ID NO: 51 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 11. Plasmid pLN056 includes SEQ ID NO: 51. SEQ ID NO: 52 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, shown in FIG. 6. SEQ ID NO: 53 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N-terminus of N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09, shown in FIG. 6. SEQ ID NO: 54 sets forth a DNA sequence for a N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2. SEQ ID NO: 55 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05. SEQ ID NO: 55 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 13 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 55 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 54. SEQ ID NO: 56 sets forth the amino acid sequence of a serine-glycine repeat sequence, shown in Example 7. SEQ ID NO: 57 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B01. SEQ ID NO: 57 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 58 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 58 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 58 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B01, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1. SEQ ID NO: 59 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B15, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1. SEQ ID NO: 60 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B16, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1. SEQ ID NO: 61 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, in which the codon for the N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 19 is replaced with a codon for a Glycine. SEQ ID NO: 62 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, in which the N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 19 is replaced with a Glycine. SEQ ID NO: 63 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, in which the codon for the N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 15 is replaced with a codon for a Glycine. SEQ ID NO: 64 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, in which the N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 15 is replaced with a Glycine. SEQ ID NO: 65 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence (pEB042) encoding a non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated A05 polypeptide. SEQ ID NO: 66 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A12. SEQ ID NO: 66 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 14 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 66 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 67. SEQ ID NO: 67 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for a non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated A12 polypeptide. SEQ ID NO: 68 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22. SEQ ID NO: 68 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 15 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 68 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 69. SEQ ID NO: 69 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for a non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated A22 polypeptide. SEQ ID NO: 70 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis serogroup B, 2086 variant A62, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1. SEQ ID NO: 71 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A62. SEQ ID NO: 71 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 70 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 72 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for SEQ ID NO: 71. SEQ ID NO: 73 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence (pDK086) for a N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2. SEQ ID NO: 74 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A29, which includes an N-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1. SEQ ID NO: 75 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22. SEQ ID NO: 75 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 19 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 19 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 76 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05. SEQ ID NO: 77 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05. SEQ ID NO: 77 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 19 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 76 is not present. SEQ ID NO: 78 sets forth the amino acid sequence fora consensus sequence shown in FIG. 9A-9B. SEQ ID NO: 79 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 78 except that the Cys at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 78 is not present. SEQ ID NO: 80 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24. SEQ ID NO: 80 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 20 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 20 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 81 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24. SEQ ID NO: 81 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 20 wherein the residues at positions 1-3 of SEQ ID NO: 20 are deleted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods and examples are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. All publications, patents and other documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Definitions

The term “antigen” generally refers to a biological molecule, usually a protein, peptide, polysaccharide, lipid or conjugate which contains at least one epitope to which a cognate antibody can selectively bind; or in some instances to an immunogenic substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies or T-cell responses, or both, in an animal, including compositions that are injected or absorbed into an animal. The immune response may be generated to the whole molecule, or to one or more various portions of the molecule (e.g., an epitope or hapten). The term may be used to refer to an individual molecule or to a homogeneous or heterogeneous population of antigenic molecules. An antigen is recognized by antibodies, T-cell receptors or other elements of specific humoral and/or cellular immunity. The term “antigen” includes all related antigenic epitopes. Epitopes of a given antigen can be identified using any number of epitope mapping techniques, well known in the art. See, e.g., Epitope Mapping Protocols in Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 66 (Glenn E. Morris, Ed., 1996) Humana Press, Totowa, N.J. For example, linear epitopes may be determined by e.g., concurrently synthesizing large numbers of peptides on solid supports, the peptides corresponding to portions of the protein molecule, and reacting the peptides with antibodies while the peptides are still attached to the supports. Such techniques are known in the art and described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,871; Geysen et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3998-4002; Geysen et al. (1986) Molec. Immunol. 23:709-715, all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Similarly, conformational epitopes may be identified by determining spatial conformation of amino acids such as by, e.g., x-ray crystallography and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. See, e.g., Epitope Mapping Protocols, supra. Furthermore, for purposes of the present invention, an “antigen” may also be used to refer to a protein that includes modifications, such as deletions, additions and substitutions (generally conservative in nature, but they may be non-conservative), to the native sequence, so long as the protein maintains the ability to elicit an immunological response. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or through particular synthetic procedures, or through a genetic engineering approach, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts, which produce the antigens. Furthermore, the antigen can be derived, obtained, or isolated from a microbe, e.g. a bacterium, or can be a whole organism. Similarly, an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide, which expresses an antigen, such as in nucleic acid immunization applications, is also included in the definition. Synthetic antigens are also included, for example, polyepitopes, flanking epitopes, and other recombinant or synthetically derived antigens (Bergmann et al. (1993) Eur. J. Immunol. 23:2777 2781; Bergmann et al. (1996) J. Immunol. 157:3242 3249; Suhrbier, A. (1997) Immunol. and Cell Biol. 75:402 408; Gardner et al. (1998) 12th World AIDS Conference, Geneva, Switzerland, Jun. 28-Jul. 3, 1998).

The term “conservative” amino acid substitutions may be made on the basis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues involved. For example, non-polar (hydrophobic) amino acids include alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, tryptophan, and methionine; polar/neutral amino acids include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine; positively charged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine, and histidine; and negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid. In some embodiments, the conservative amino acid changes alter the primary sequence of the ORF2086 polypeptides, but do not alter the function of the molecule. When generating these mutants, the hydropathic index of amino acids can be considered. The importance of the hydropathic amino acid index in conferring interactive biologic function on a polypeptide is generally understood in the art (Kyte & Doolittle, 1982, J. Mol. Biol., 157(1):105-32). It is known that certain amino acids can be substituted for other amino acids having a similar hydropathic index or score and still result in a polypeptide with similar biological activity. Each amino acid has been assigned a hydropathic index on the basis of its hydrophobicity and charge characteristics. Those indices are: isoleucine (+4.5); valine (+4.2); leucine (+3.8); phenylalanine (+2.8); cysteine/cystine (+2.5); methionine (+1.9); alanine (+1.8); glycine (−0.4); threonine (−0.7); serine (−0.8); tryptophan (−0.9); tyrosine (−1.3); proline (−1.6); histidine (−3.2); glutamate (−3.5); glutamine (−3.5); aspartate (−3.5); asparagine (−3.5); lysine (−3.9); and arginine (−4.5).

It is believed that the relative hydropathic character of the amino acid residue determines the secondary and tertiary structure of the resultant polypeptide, which in turn defines the interaction of the polypeptide with other molecules, such as enzymes, substrates, receptors, antibodies, antigens, and the like. It is known in the art that an amino acid can be substituted by another amino acid having a similar hydropathic index and still obtain a functionally equivalent polypeptide. In such changes, the substitution of amino acids whose hydropathic indices are within +/−2 is preferred, those within +/−1 are particularly preferred, and those within +/−0.5 are even more particularly preferred.

Conservative amino acids substitutions or insertions can also be made on the basis of hydrophilicity. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,101, which is hereby incorporated by reference the greatest local average hydrophilicity of a polypeptide, as governed by the hydrophilicity of its adjacent amino acids, correlates with its immunogenicity and antigenicity, i.e., with a biological property of the polypeptide. U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,101 reciates that the following hydrophilicity values have been assigned to amino acid residues: arginine (+3.0); lysine (+3.0); aspartate (+3.0±1); glutamate (+3.0±1); serine (+0.3); asparagine (+0.2); glutamine (+0.2); glycine (0); proline (−0.5±1); threonine (−0.4); alanine (−0.5); histidine (−0.5); cysteine (−1.0); methionine (−1.3); valine (−1.5); leucine (−1.8); isoleucine (−1.8); tyrosine (−2.3); phenylalanine (−2.5); tryptophan (−3.4). It is understood that an amino acid can be substituted for another having a similar hydrophilicity value and still obtain a biologically equivalent, and in particular, an immunologically equivalent polypeptide. In such changes, the substitution of amino acids whose hydrophilicity values are within ±2 is preferred; those within ±1 are particularly preferred; and those within ±0.5 are even more particularly preferred. Exemplary substitutions which take various of the foregoing characteristics into consideration are well known to those of skill in the art and include, without limitation: arginine and lysine; glutamate and aspartate; serine and threonine; glutamine and asparagine; and valine, leucine and isoleucine.

The term “effective immunogenic amount” as used herein refers to an amount of a polypeptide or composition comprising a polypeptide which is effective in eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate host. For example, an effective immunogenic amount of a rLP2086 protein of this invention is an amount that is effective in eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate host. The particular “effective immunogenic dosage or amount” will depend upon the age, weight and medical condition of the host, as well as on the method of administration. Suitable doses are readily determined by persons skilled in the art.

The term “Gly/Ser stalk” as used herein refers to the series of Gly and Ser residues immediately downstream of the N-terminal Cys residue of a protein encoded by ORF2086. There can be between 5 and 12 Gly and Ser residues in the Gly/Ser stalk. Accordingly, the Gly/Ser stalk consists of amino acids 2 to between 7 and 13 of the protein encoded by ORF2086. Preferably, the Gly/Ser stalk consists of amino acids 2 and up to between 7 and 13 of the protein encoded by ORF2086. The Gly/Ser stalks of the P2086 variants of the present invention are represented by the underlined sequences in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 12-21). As shown herein, the length of the Gly/Ser stalk can affect the stability or expression level of a non-lipidated P2086 variant. In an exemplary embodiment, effects from affecting the length of the Gly/Ser stalk are compared to those from the corresponding wild-type variant.

The term “immunogenic” refers to the ability of an antigen or a vaccine to elicit an immune response, either humoral or cell-mediated, or both.

An “immunogenic amount”, or an “immunologically effective amount” or “dose”, each of which is used interchangeably herein, generally refers to the amount of antigen or immunogenic composition sufficient to elicit an immune response, either a cellular (T cell) or humoral (B cell or antibody) response, or both, as measured by standard assays known to one skilled in the art.

The term “immunogenic composition” relates to any pharmaceutical composition containing an antigen, e.g. a microorganism, or a component thereof, which composition can be used to elicit an immune response in a subject. The immunogenic compositions of the present invention can be used to treat a human susceptible to N. meningidis infection, by means of administering the immunogenic compositions via a systemic transdermal or mucosal route. These administrations can include injection via the intramuscular (i.m.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), intradermal (i.d.) or subcutaneous routes; application by a patch or other transdermal delivery device; or via mucosal administration to the oral/alimentary, respiratory or genitourinary tracts. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition may be used in the manufacture of a vaccine or in the elicitation of a polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that could be used to passively protect or treat a subject.

Optimal amounts of components for a particular immunogenic composition can be ascertained by standard studies involving observation of appropriate immune responses in subjects. Following an initial vaccination, subjects can receive one or several booster immunizations adequately spaced.

The term “isolated” means that the material is removed from its original environment (e.g., the natural environment if it is naturally occurring or from it's host organism if it is a recombinant entity, or taken from one environment to a different environment). For example, an “isolated” protein or peptide is substantially free of cellular material or other contaminating proteins from the cell or tissue source from which the protein is derived, or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized, or otherwise present in a mixture as part of a chemical reaction. In the present invention, the proteins may be isolated from the bacterial cell or from cellular debris, so that they are provided in a form useful in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition. The term “isolated” or “isolating” may include purifying, or purification, including for example, the methods of purification of the proteins, as described herein. The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of a polypeptide or protein in which the polypeptide or protein is separated from cellular components of the cells from which it is isolated or recombinantly produced. Thus, a protein or peptide that is substantially free of cellular material includes preparations of the capsule polysaccharide, protein or peptide having less than about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 2.5%, or 1%, (by dry weight) of contaminating protein or polysaccharide or other cellular material. When the polypeptide/protein is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, 10%, or 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. When polypeptide or protein is produced by chemical synthesis, it is preferably substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals, i.e., it is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals which are involved in the synthesis of the protein or polysaccharide. Accordingly, such preparations of the polypeptide or protein have less than about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or compounds other than polypeptide/protein or polysaccharide fragment of interest.

The term “N-terminal tail” as used herein refers to the N-terminal portion of a protein encoded by ORF2086, which attaches the protein to the cell membrane. An N-terminal tail is shown at the bottom of the side view structure in FIG. 3. An N-terminal tail typically comprises the N-terminal 16 amino acids of the protein encoded by ORF2086. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail is amino acids 1-16 of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21. The term “ORF2086” as used herein refers to Open Reading Frame 2086 from a Neisseria species bacteria. Neisseria ORF2086, the proteins encoded therefrom, fragments of those proteins, and immunogenic compositions comprising those proteins are known in the art and are described, e.g., in WO2003/063766, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 20060257413 and US 20090202593, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The term “P2086” generally refers to the protein encoded by ORF2086. The “P” before “2086” is an abbreviation for “protein.” The P2086 proteins of the invention may be lipidated or non-lipidated. “LP2086” and “P2086” typically refer to lipidated and non-lipidated forms of a 2086 protein, respectively. The P2086 protein of the invention may be recombinant. “rLP2086” and “rP2086” typically refer to lipidated and non-lipidated forms of a recombinant 2086 protein, respectively. “2086” is also known as factor H-binding protein (fHBP) due to its ability to bind to factor H.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, excipient, and/or carrier” as used herein is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with administration to humans or other vertebrate hosts. Typically, a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, excipient, and/or carrier is a diluent, excipient, and/or carrier approved by a regulatory agency of a Federal, a state government, or other regulatory agency, or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals, including humans as well as non-human mammals. The term diluent, excipient, and/or “carrier” refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the pharmaceutical composition is administered. Such pharmaceutical diluent, excipient, and/or carriers can be sterile liquids, such as water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin. Water, saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can be employed as liquid diluents, excipients, and/or carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical diluents and/or excipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like. The composition, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting, bulking, emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. These compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsion, sustained release formulations and the like. Examples of suitable pharmaceutical diluent, excipient, and/or carriers are described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin. The formulation should suit the mode of administration. The appropriate diluent, excipient, and/or carrier will be evident to those skilled in the art and will depend in large part upon the route of administration.

A “protective” immune response refers to the ability of an immunogenic composition to elicit an immune response, either humoral or cell mediated, which serves to protect the subject from an infection. The protection provided need not be absolute, i.e., the infection need not be totally prevented or eradicated, if there is a statistically significant improvement compared with a control population of subjects, e.g. infected animals not administered the vaccine or immunogenic composition. Protection may be limited to mitigating the severity or rapidity of onset of symptoms of the infection. In general, a “protective immune response” would include the induction of an increase in antibody levels specific for a particular antigen in at least 50% of subjects, including some level of measurable functional antibody responses to each antigen. In particular situations, a “protective immune response” could include the induction of a two fold increase in antibody levels or a four fold increase in antibody levels specific for a particular antigen in at least 50% of subjects, including some level of measurable functional antibody responses to each antigen. In certain embodiments, opsonising antibodies correlate with a protective immune response. Thus, protective immune response may be assayed by measuring the percent decrease in the bacterial count in a serum bactericidal activity (SBA) assay or an opsonophagocytosis assay, for instance those described below. Such assays are also known in the art. For meningococcal vaccines, for example, the SBA assay is an established surrogate for protection. In some embodiments, there is a decrease in bacterial count of at least 10%, 25%, 50%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more, as compared to the bacterial count in the absence of the immunogenic composition.

The terms “protein”, “polypeptide” and “peptide” refer to a polymer of amino acid residues and are not limited to a minimum length of the product. Thus, peptides, oligopeptides, dimers, multimers, and the like, are included within the definition. Both full-length proteins and fragments thereof are encompassed by the definition. The terms also include modifications, such as deletions, additions and substitutions (generally conservative in nature, but which may be non-conservative), to a native sequence, preferably such that the protein maintains the ability to elicit an immunological response within an animal to which the protein is administered. Also included are post-expression modifications, e.g. glycosylation, acetylation, lipidation, phosphorylation and the like.

Active variants and fragments of the disclosed polynucleotides and polypeptides are also described herein. “Variants” refer to substantially similar sequences. As used herein, a “variant polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide derived from the native protein by a modification of one or more amino acids at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the native protein. The modification may include deletion (so-called truncation) of one or more amino acids at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the native protein; deletion and/or addition of one or more amino acids at one or more internal sites in the native protein; or substitution of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein. Variant polypeptides continue to possess the desired biological activity of the native polypeptide, that is, they are immunogenic. A variant of an polypeptide or polynucleotide sequence disclosed herein (i.e. SEQ ID NOS: 1-25 or 39) will typically have at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity with the reference sequence.

The term “fragment” refers to a portion of an amino acid or nucleotide sequence comprising a specified number of contiguous amino acid or nucleotide residues. In particular embodiments, a fragment of a polypeptide disclosed herein may retain the biological activity of the full-length polypeptide and hence be immunogenic. Fragments of a polynucleotide may encode protein fragments that retain the biological activity of the protein and hence be immunogenic. Alternatively, fragments of a polynucleotide that are useful as PCR primers generally do not retain biological activity. Thus, fragments of a nucleotide sequence disclosed herein may range from at least about 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, or 1500 contiguous nucleotides or up to the full-length polynucleotide. Fragments of a polypeptide sequence disclosed herein may comprise at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 contiguous amino acids, or up to the total number of amino acids present in the full-length polypeptide.

The term “recombinant” as used herein refers to any protein, polypeptide, or cell expressing a gene of interest that is produced by genetic engineering methods. The term “recombinant” as used with respect to a protein or polypeptide, means a polypeptide produced by expression of a recombinant polynucleotide. The proteins of the present invention may be isolated from a natural source or produced by genetic engineering methods. “Recombinant,” as used herein, further describes a nucleic acid molecule, which, by virtue of its origin or manipulation, is not associated with all or a portion of the polynucleotide with which it is associated in nature. The term “recombinant” as used with respect to a host cell means a host cell which includes a recombinant polynucleotide.

The term “subject” refers to a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or any other animal. The term “subject” also includes humans. The term “subject” also includes household pets. Non-limiting examples of household pets include: dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, snakes, lizards, fish, turtles, and frogs. The term “subject” also includes livestock animals. Non-limiting examples of livestock animals include: alpaca, bison, camel, cattle, deer, pigs, horses, llamas, mules, donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, reindeer, yak, chickens, geese, and turkeys.

The term “mammals” as used herein refers to any mammal, such as, for example, humans, mice, rabbits, non-human primates. In a preferred embodiment, the mammal is a human.

The terms “vaccine” or “vaccine composition”, which are used interchangeably, refer to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one immunogenic composition that induces an immune response in a subject.

General Description

The present invention also identifies previously unidentified difficulties expressing non-lipidated P2086 variants and provides methods for overcoming these difficulties and novel compositions therefrom. While plasmid constructs encoding non-lipidated P2086 variants provided strong expression of the non-lipidated variants, these variants were pyruvylated on the N-terminal Cys. Pyruvylation prevents or reduces the likelihood of manufacturing consistency or uniformity of the polypeptides. The inventors further found that deletion of the N-terminal Cys from the non-lipidated P2086 variant sequences avoided pyruvylation of non-lipidated P2086 variants. Attempts to overcome the pyruvylation by deletion of the codon for the N-terminal Cys either abrogated expression or resulted in the expression of insoluble variants. Alternatively, removal of the N-terminal Cys from the non-lipidated P2086 variants decreased expression in some variants. Surprisingly, however, the inventors discovered that at least non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, A22, A62, B01, B09, B22, and B44 variants can be expressed despite deletion of the N-terminal Cys residue. Generally, these polypeptides could be expressed without additional modifications other than the Cys deletion, as compared to the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated sequence. See, for example, Examples 2 and 4. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated variants were surprisingly immunogenic and they unexpectedly elicited bactericidal antibodies.

Accordingly, the present invention provides two methods for overcoming or reducing the likelihood of these difficulties in expressing non-lipidated variants. However, additional methods are contemplated by the present invention. The first method was to vary the length of the Gly/Ser stalk in the N-terminal tail, immediately downstream of the N-terminal Cys. The second method was codon optimization within the N-terminal tail. However, optimization of additional codons is contemplated by the present invention. These methods provide enhanced expression of soluble non-lipidated P2086 variants. For example, in one embodiment, enhanced expression of soluble non-lipidated P2086 variants is compared to expression of the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated variants.

Isolated Polypeptides

The inventors surprisingly discovered isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides. The inventors further discovered that the polypeptides are unexpectedly immunogenic and are capable of eliciting a bactericidal immune response.

As used herein, the term “non-pyruvylated” refers to a polypeptide having no pyruvate content. Non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides having a pyruvate content typically exhibited a mass shift of +70, as compared to the corresponding wild-type polypeptide. In one embodiment, the inventive polypeptide does not exhibit a mass shift of +70 as compared to the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated polypeptide when measured by mass spectrometry. See, for example, Example 10.

In another embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a deletion of an N-terminal cysteine residue compared to the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. The term “N-terminal cysteine” refers to a cysteine (Cys) at the N-terminal or N-terminal tail of a polypeptide. More specifically, the “N-terminal cysteine” as used herein refers to the N-terminal cysteine at which LP2086 lipoproteins are lipidated with a tripalmitoyl lipid tail, as is known in the art. For example, when referring to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 as a reference sequence, the N-terminal cysteine is located at position 1. As another example, when referring to SEQ ID NO: 70 as a reference sequence, the N-terminal cysteine is located at position 1.

The term “wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide” or “wild-type non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide” or “wild-type non-lipidated polypeptide” as used herein refers to an ORF2086 polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is identical to the amino acid sequence of the corresponding mature lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide found in nature. The only difference between the non-lipidated and lipidated molecules is that the wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide is not lipidated with a tripalmitoyl lipid tail at the N-terminal cysteine.

As is known in the art, the non-lipidated 2086 form is produced by a protein lacking the original leader sequence or by a leader sequence which is replaced with a portion of sequence that does not specify a site for fatty acid acylation in a host cell. See, for example, WO2003/063766, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 20060257413 and US 20090202593, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Examples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 include not only a wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide just described but also polypeptides having an amino acid sequence according to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted and polypeptides having an amino acid sequence according to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 wherein the N-terminal Cys is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Another example of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted and a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Further examples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide include amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 44 (B44), SEQ ID NO: 49 (B09), SEQ ID NO: 55 (A05), SEQ ID NO: 57 (B01), SEQ ID NO: 58 (B01), SEQ ID NO: 62 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 64 (A22), and SEQ ID NO: 75 (B22). Yet further examples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide include amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 66 (A12), SEQ ID NO: 68 (A22), and SEQ ID NO: 71 (A62). More examples include SEQ ID NO: 80 (B24) and SEQ ID NO: 81 (B24). Additional examples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide include the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76 and SEQ ID NO: 77. In one embodiment, the non-lipidated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence encoding the corresponding non-lipidated polypeptide. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71.

Examples of a wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide include polypeptides having an amino acid sequence according to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21, shown in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 59, and SEQ ID NO: 60. Another example of a wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 70. These exemplary wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides include an N-terminal Cys.

As used herein, for example, a “non-lipidated” B44 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 44. A “wild-type non-lipidated” B44 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 21. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” B44 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 44.

As another example, as used herein, a “non-lipidated” B09 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 49, and SEQ ID NO: 50. A “wild-type non-lipidated” B09 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 18. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” B09 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 49, and SEQ ID NO: 50.

As yet a further example, as used herein, a “non-lipidated” A05 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 55. Another example of a “non-lipidated” A05 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. An additional example of a “non-lipidated” A05 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. Yet another example of a “non-lipidated” A05 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 77. A “wild-type non-lipidated” A05 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 13. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A05 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted and SEQ ID NO: 55. Further examples of a “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A05 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue; SEQ ID NO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted; SEQ ID NO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue; and SEQ ID NO: 77.

As used herein, a “non-lipidated” A62 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 71. Another example of a non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. A “wild-type non-lipidated” A62 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 70. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A62 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 71. Another example of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Preferably, a “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A62 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71.

As used herein, a “non-lipidated” A12 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 66. A “wild-type non-lipidated” A12 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 14. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A12 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 66.

As used herein, a “non-lipidated” A22 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 64, and SEQ ID NO: 68. A “wild-type non-lipidated” A22 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 15. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A22 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 64, and SEQ ID NO: 68. Preferably, a “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A22 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 68.

The term “deletion” of the N-terminal Cys as used herein includes a mutation that deletes the N-terminal Cys, as compared to a wild-type non-lipidated polypeptide sequence. For example, a “deletion” of the N-terminal Cys refers to a removal of the amino acid Cys from a reference sequence, e.g., from the corresponding wild-type sequence, thereby resulting in a decrease of an amino acid residue as compared to the reference sequence. Unless otherwise described, the terms “N-terminal Cys,” “N-terminal Cys at position 1,” “Cys at position 1” are interchangeable.

In another embodiment, the N-terminal Cys is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the N-terminal Cys at position 1 of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 includes a C→G substitution at position 1. See, for example, SEQ ID NO: 62 as compared to SEQ ID NO: 19 (B22 wild-type), and SEQ ID NO: 64 as compared to SEQ ID NO: 15 (A22 wild-type). Exemplary amino acids to replace the N-terminal Cys include any non-Cys amino acid, preferably a polar uncharged amino acid such as, for example, glycine. In a preferred embodiment, the substitution is made with a non-conservative residue to Cys.

The inventors surprisingly discovered that expressing non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides having a deletion of an N-terminal Cys residue resulted in no detectable pyruvylation when measured by mass spectrometry, as compared to the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. Examples of non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides include those having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12 (A04), SEQ ID NO:13 (A05), SEQ ID NO:14 (A12), SEQ ID NO:15 (A22), SEQ ID NO:16 (B02) SEQ ID NO:17 (B03), SEQ ID NO:18 (B09), SEQ ID NO:19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44), and SEQ ID NO: 70 (A62), wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. Another example of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 58 (B01), wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. Additional examples of isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides include polypeptides having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO: 75. A further example of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 57 (B01). Another example of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 77 (A05); a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 (A05) wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted; and a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 (A05) wherein the Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Further examples of non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides include those having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12 (A04), SEQ ID NO:13 (A05), SEQ ID NO:14 (A12), SEQ ID NO:15 (A22), SEQ ID NO: 58 (B01), SEQ ID NO:16 (B02) SEQ ID NO:17 (B03), SEQ ID NO:18 (B09), SEQ ID NO:19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44), and SEQ ID NO: 70 (A62) wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide includes at least about 250, 255, or 260 consecutive amino acids, and at most about 270, 269, 268, 267, 266, 265, 264, 263, 260, 259, 258, 257, 256, or 255 consecutive amino acids. Any minimum value may be combined with any maximum value to define a range. More preferably, the polypeptide has at least 254 or 262 consecutive amino acids. In some embodiments, the polypeptide has at most 262 consecutive amino acids. In other embodiments, the polypeptide has at most 254 consecutive amino acids. In one embodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence encoding the corresponding non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is operatively linked to an expression system, wherein the expression system is capable of being expressed in a bacterial cell. In an exemplary embodiment, the nucleotide sequence is linked to a regulatory sequence that controls expression of the nucleotide sequence. Suitable expression systems, regulatory sequences, and bacterial cells are known in the art. For example, any plasmid expression vector, e.g., PET™ (Novogen, Madison Wis.) or PMAL™ (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) can be used as long as the polypeptide is able to be expressed in a bacterial cell. Preferably, the PET™ vector is used for cloning and expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli. In the PET™ system, the cloned gene may be expressed under the control of a phage T7 promotor. Exemplary bacterial cells include Pseudomonas fluorescens, and preferably, E. coli.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide obtainable by the process. The polypeptide is preferably isolated. The invention further relates to compositions that include a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide obtainable by a process. The composition is preferably an immunogenic composition. The process includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16 SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 58, and SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the process includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In a further embodiment, the process includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16 SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 58, and SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. The nucleotide sequence is operatively linked to an expression system that is capable of being expressed in a bacterial cell.

In one embodiment, the process includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 57, and SEQ ID NO: 75. In another embodiment, the process includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 77. In another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, and SEQ ID NO: 72. Preferably the bacterial cell is E. coli.

B09, B44, A05: In one aspect, the invention relates to a composition that includes a first isolated polypeptide, which includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 (B09), and a second isolated polypeptide, which includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44 (B44). In a preferred embodiment, the polypeptides are immunogenic. In another preferred embodiment, the composition further includes an ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis. Preferably, the ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide. In an exemplary embodiment, the ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide is A05, examples of which include, for example, SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 55. In another exemplary embodiment, the composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted; SEQ ID NO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue; and SEQ ID NO: 77.

Polypeptide Domains

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing an isolated polypeptide. The method includes expressing in a bacterial cell a polypeptide, which includes a sequence having greater than 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:21, said sequence includes at least one domain selected from the group consisting of amino acids 13-18 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 21-34 of SEQ ID NO: 21, and amino acids 70-80 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or a combination thereof, wherein the polypeptide lacks an N-terminal cysteine. The method further includes purifying the polypeptide. The polypeptide produced therein includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. Preferably, the polypeptide is immunogenic. In a preferred embodiment, the bacterial cell is E. coli.

Examples of polypeptides that include at least one domain selected from the group consisting of amino acids 13-18 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 21-34 of SEQ ID NO: 21, and amino acids 70-80 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or a combination thereof, include SEQ ID NO: 12 (A04), SEQ ID NO: 13 (A05), SEQ ID NO: 14 (A12), SEQ ID NO: 15 (A22), SEQ ID NO: 16 (B02), SEQ ID NO: 17 (B03), SEQ ID NO: 18 (B09), SEQ ID NO: 19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), and SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44). Preferably the cysteine at position 1 of these polypeptides is deleted. In another embodiment, the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Further exemplary polypeptides include SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 62, and SEQ ID NO: 64. Another exemplary polypeptide includes SEQ ID NO: 70 and SEQ ID NO: 71. A further exemplary polypeptide includes SEQ ID NO: 76. Yet another exemplary polypeptide includes SEQ ID NO: 77. Additional examples include SEQ ID NO: 80 (B24) and SEQ ID NO: 81 (B24).

In one exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide sequence further includes at least one domain selected from the group consisting of amino acids 96-116 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 158-170 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 172-185 of

SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 187-199 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 213-224 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 226-237 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 239-248 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or a combination thereof. Examples of polypeptides that include at least one domain selected from the group consisting of amino acids 13-18 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 21-34 of SEQ ID NO: 21, and amino acids 70-80 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or a combination thereof, and further including at least one domain selected from the group consisting of amino acids 96-116 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 158-170 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 172-185 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 187-199 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 213-224 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 226-237 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 239-248 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or a combination thereof, include SEQ ID NO: 16 (B02), SEQ ID NO: 17 (B03), SEQ ID NO: 18 (B09), SEQ ID NO: 19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), and SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44). Preferably the cysteine at position 1 of these polypeptides is deleted. Further exemplary polypeptides include a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, and SEQ ID NO: 55, and SEQ ID NO: 62.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide produced by a process described herein. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition produced by a process described herein.

Nucleotide Sequences Encoding the Polypeptides

B09: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 49. Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 49 include sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, and SEQ ID NO: 48. Preferably, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO: 46. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 46. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 47. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 48.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a plasmid including a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 48, and SEQ ID NO: 45, wherein the plasmid is capable of being expressed in a bacterial cell. Suitable expression systems, regulatory sequences, and bacterial cells are known in the art, as described above. Preferably, the bacterial cell is E. coli.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50. In an exemplary embodiment, SEQ ID NO: 50 is encoded by SEQ ID NO: 45.

B44: In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44. Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 44 include sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 43 and SEQ ID NO: 51. Preferably, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO: 43. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 43.

A05: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 (A05) wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55. Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 55 include sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 65, and SEQ ID NO: 73. Preferably, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO: 65. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 54. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 65. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 73.

A12: In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 (A12) wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 66. Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 66 include SEQ ID NO: 67. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 67.

A22: In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 (A22) wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 68. Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 68 include SEQ ID NO: 69. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 69.

A62: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71, wherein the first 20 amino acid residues of the sequence does not contain a cysteine. Preferably, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence as shown at positions 1-184 of SEQ ID NO: 71. The polypeptide is preferably non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is immunogenic.

In another embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes a fragment of A62. Exemplary fragments of A62 includes any number of contiguous residues from SEQ ID NO: 70 or SEQ ID NO: 71. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions 158-185 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In another embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions 159-186 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes at least 6 contiguous amino acids from the amino acid sequence at positions 185-254 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding an isolated polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71, wherein the first 20 amino acid residues of the sequence does not contain a cysteine. Preferably, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid sequence includes SEQ ID NO: 72.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 70 (A62) wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 71. Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 71 include SEQ ID NO: 72. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 72.

Immunogenic Compositions

In a preferred embodiment, the compositions described herein including an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide are immunogenic. Immunogenic compositions that include a protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria meningitidis ORF2086 are known in the art. Exemplary immunogenic compositions include those described in WO2003/063766, and US patent application publication numbers US 20060257413 and US 20090202593, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such immunogenic compositions described therein include a protein exhibiting bactericidal activity identified as ORF2086 protein, immunogenic portions thereof, and/or biological equivalents thereof. The ORF2086 protein refers to a protein encoded by open reading frame 2086 of Neisseria species.

The protein may be a recombinant protein or an isolated protein from native Neisseria species. For example, Neisseria ORF2086 proteins may be isolated from bacterial strains, such as those of Neisseria species, including strains of Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, B, C, D, W-135, X, Y, Z, and 29E), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Neisseria lactamica, as well as immunogenic portions and/or biological equivalents of said proteins.

The ORF2086 proteins include 2086 Subfamily A proteins and Subfamily B proteins, immunogenic portions thereof, and/or biological equivalents thereof. 2086 subfamily A proteins and 2086 subfamily B proteins are known in the art, see, for example Fletcher et al., 2004 cited above and Murphy et al., J Infect Dis. 2009 Aug. 1; 200(3):379-89. See also WO2003/063766 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 20060257413 and US 20090202593, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which discloses SEQ ID NOs: 260 to 278 therein as representing amino acid sequences associated with proteins of 2086 Subfamily A. In addition, disclosed in WO2003/063766 are SEQ ID NOS: 279 to 299 therein as representing amino acid sequences associated with proteins of 2086 Subfamily B. WO2003/063766 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The ORF2086 proteins or equivalents thereof, etc. may be lipidated or non lipidated. Preferably, the Neisseria ORF2086 protein is non lipidated. Alternatively, the immunogenic compositions may be combinations of lipidated and non lipidated ORF2086 proteins.

In (an) one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated protein having at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical amino acid sequence identity to a protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a Subfamily A protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. Preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated Subfamily A protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05, an A04, an A12, an A62, or an A22 variant. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05, an A12, or an A22 variant.

Combination of Subfamily a Polypeptides:

In one embodiment, the composition includes any combination of ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptides. Exemplary combinations of ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptides include, for example, A05 and A12; A05 and A22; A05 and A62; A12 and A62; A12 and A22; A22 and A62; A05, A12, and A22; A05, A12, and A62; A12, A22, and A62; and A05, A22, and A62. Preferably, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated.

In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. Preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is a B44, a B02, a B03, a B22, a B24 or a B09 variant. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is a B44, a B22, or a B09 variant.

Combination of Subfamily B Polypeptides:

In one embodiment, the composition includes any combination of ORF2086 Subfamily B polypeptides. Exemplary combinations of ORF2086 Subfamily B polypeptides include, for example, B09 and B22; B22 and B44; B44 and B09; B01 and B09; B01 and B22; B01 and B44; and B09, B22, and B44; B09 and B24; B22 and B24; B24 and B44; B01 and B24; B02 and B24; B02 and B01, B02 abd B09; B02 and B44; B01, B09, and B24; B01, B24, and B44.

In a preferred embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. For example, in some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is sequences selected from a B44 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21; a B02 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 16; a B03 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 17; a B22 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:19; a B24 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 20; a B01 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:58; or a B09 variant having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or a combination thereof.

More preferably, the immunogenic composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide, a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 variant having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 having SEQ ID NO: 49, a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 having SEQ ID NO: 44, or a combination thereof.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition that includes an ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, wherein the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44. The B44 may include the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44. In one embodiment, the composition further includes a second ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, wherein the second polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09. The B09 may include the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 49. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition is a vaccine.

In another embodiment, the composition includes no more than 3 ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptides. In a further embodiment, the composition includes no more than 2 ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptides.

In a further embodiment, the composition includes at most 1, 2, or 3 species of an ORF2086 subfamily B variant. In a further embodiment, the composition includes at most 1, 2, or 3 species of an ORF2086 subfamily A variant.

Compositions Including a Subfamily B Polypeptide and a Subfamily A Polypeptide:

In one embodiment, the composition further includes one or more ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptides. In a preferred embodiment, the composition includes an A05 subfamily A polypeptide. More preferably, the A05 subfamily A polypeptide is non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated. In another preferred embodiment, the composition includes an A62 subfamily A polypeptide. More preferably, the A62 subfamily A polypeptide is non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated.

In yet another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a Subfamily A protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086, and an isolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086.

Preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated Subfamily A protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086 and an isolated Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. More preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptide and an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptide.

Combinations:

Any combination of ORF2086 polypeptides are contemplated. In one embodiment, the composition includes at least one Subfamily A polypeptide in the absence of Subfamily B polypeptides. For example, the composition includes only Subfamily A polypeptides. In another embodiment, the composition includes at least one Subfamily B polypeptide in the absence of Subfamily A polypeptides. For example, the composition includes only Subfamily A polypeptides.

The immunogenic composition may include any Subfamily A polypeptide or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05, an A04, an A12, or an A22 variant. In another embodiment, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide includes A62. In a preferred embodiment, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 13; an A04 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 12; an A12 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 14; or an A22 variant having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or any combination thereof. Yet another exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and A62 Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptides. For example, the immunogenic composition may include a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 55 and a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 71. A further exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and A12 Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12 and A62 Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptides.

The immunogenic composition may include any Subfamily B polypeptide or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is a B44, a B02, a B03, a B22, a B24 or a B09 variant. In a preferred embodiment, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is a B44 having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21; a B02 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 16; a B03 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 17; a B22 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:19; a B24 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 20; or a B09 variant having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or a combination thereof. Yet another exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 and B44 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. A further exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 and B22 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B22 and B44 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. An additional exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09, B22, and B44 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides.

In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide in the absence of a lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. In another embodiment, the composition includes a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide and at least one lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide in the absence of a lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. In another embodiment, the composition includes a lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. For example, the composition may include a lipidated A05 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 having SEQ ID NO: 77. Another exemplary composition includes a lipidated A05 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 having SEQ ID NO: 71. An additional exemplary composition includes a lipidated B01 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 58 and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 having SEQ ID NO: 71.

Exemplary Combinations:

One exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of an isolated non-lipidated A05, B09, B22, and B44 ORF2086 polypeptides. For example, the immunogenic composition may include a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptide and isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 (SEQ ID NO: 49), B22 (SEQ ID NO: 75), and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides.

Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and A12 Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptides and isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B22 and B44 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. A further exemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Yet another example includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12, A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Yet a further example includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and B09 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A62, and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes a 1:1 ratio of a Subfamily A protein to a Subfamily B protein. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes any one of the following ratios of a Subfamily A polypeptide to a Subfamily B polypeptide: 1:1; 1:2; 1:3; 1:4; 1:5; 1:6; 1:7; 1:8; 1:9; or 1:10. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes any one of the following ratios of a Subfamily B polypeptide to a Subfamily A polypeptide: 1:1; 1:2; 1:3; 1:4; 1:5; 1:6; 1:7; 1:8; 1:9; or 1:10.

Bactericidal Immune Responses

In one aspect, the isolated polypeptides and compositions described herein elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammal against infection from any serogroup of N. meningitidis, such as a serogroup selected from serogroup A, B, C, E29, H, I, K, L, W-135, X, Y and Z. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated polypeptides and compositions described herein elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammal against infection from serogroups A, B, C, W-135, Y and/or X.

In another aspect, the isolated polypeptides and compositions described herein elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammal against an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis. The compositions have the ability to induce bactericidal anti-meningococcal antibodies after administration to a mammal, and in preferred embodiments can induce antibodies that are bactericidal against strains with the respective subfamilies. Further information on bactericidal responses is given below. See, for example, Examples 6, 11, 12, and 13.

In one embodiment, the compositions elicit a bactericidal immune response against a heterologous subfamily of N. meningitidis serogroup B. For example, a composition including a non-lipidated subfamily A polypeptide may elicit a bactericidal immune response against a subfamily A variant of N. meningitidis serogroup B and/or against a subfamily B variant of N. meningitidis serogroup B. See, for example, Examples 18-19.

In a further aspect, the isolated polypeptides and compositions described herein elicit a bactericidal immune response against at least one of serogroup A, serogroup B, serogroup C, serogroup W135, and/or serogroup Y strains of N. meningitidis. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions elicit a bactericidal immune response at least against serogroup B, serogroup C, and serogroup Y of N. meningitidis. See, for example, Example 21.

Bactericidal antibodies are an indicator of protection in humans and preclinical studies serve as a surrogate, and any new immunogenic composition candidate described herein should elicit these functional antibodies.

B09:

In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily B. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 49, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A or preferably subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13); B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21); B16 variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21); B16 variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. See, for example, Example 11, Example 12, and Example 13.

B44:

In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily B. In another exemplary embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvulated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21); B16 variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. See, for example, Example 11. Additionally, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof may also elicit bactericidal antibodies that bind to the B02 variant (SEQ ID NO: 16). See, for example, Example 12 and Example 13. Moreover, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof may also elicit bactericidal antibodies that bind to B03 variant (SEQ ID NO: 17) and B15 variant (SEQ ID NO: 59). See, for example, Example 6.

B22:

In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated B22 polypeptide, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily B. In a further exemplary embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvulated non-lipidated B22 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 19 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B22 polypeptide elicits bactericidal antibodies against the B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21); B16 variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. See, for example, Example 13.

A05:

In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A. In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A. In one embodiment, the isolated A05 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the isolated A05 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In one embodiment, the isolated A05 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 77. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), A12 variant (SEQ ID NO: 14), or a combination thereof. See, for example, Example 6 and 13.

A62:

In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A. In one embodiment, the isolated A62 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 71, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A and/or subfamily B. For example, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A12 variant (SEQ ID NO: 14), A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), and A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 70). As another example, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A29 variant, B09 variant, and B24 variant. See, for example, Examples 18-19. In another embodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the B16 variant.

A12:

In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 66, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A and/or subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), A12 variant (SEQ ID NO: 14), A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 70), A29 variant, B09 variant. See, for example, Examples 18-19.

In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A22 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 68, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A and/or subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A22 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 70), A29 variant. See, for example, Examples 18-19.

Method of Eliciting Bactericidal Antibodies

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup A N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup C N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup W135 N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup X N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup Y N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroups A, B, C, W-135, X and/or Y N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup B N. meningitidis in a mammal. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily B serogroup B N. meningitidis, an ORF2086 subfamily A serogroup B N. meningitidis, or a combination thereof.

The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide or immunogenic composition thereof, as described above. See, for example, Examples 18-19, and 22.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily B serogroup B N. meningitidis. The isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide. In another preferred embodiment, the composition further includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 44, or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, or a combination thereof, In yet another exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 19, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition for eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily B serogroup B N. meningitidis includes at least one of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, and A62 polypeptide. See, for example, Example 19.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily A serogroup B N. meningitidis. The isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted. In another preferred embodiment, the composition further includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide. See, for example, Example 6 and 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 44, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 77 (A05), SEQ ID NO: 44 (B44), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition for eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily A serogroup B N. meningitidis includes at least one of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, and A62 polypeptide. See, for example, Examples 18-19.

When an exemplary immunogenic composition including at least two non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides as described above was administered to mammals, the inventors surprisingly discovered that a synergistic bactericidal immune response may be elicited against serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis, as compared to an immunogenic composition including one respective non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. See, for example, Example 19. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least a first non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide that acts synergistically with at least a second pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide to elicit an immune response against serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup C of N. meningitidis in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide from N. meningitidis serogroup B or an immunogenic composition thereof, as described above. See, for example, Example 22. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. An exemplary immunogenic composition includes at least an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide and a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup Y of N. meningitidis in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide from N. meningitidis serogroup B or an immunogenic composition thereof, as described above. See, for example, Example 22. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup X of N. meningitidis in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide from N. meningitidis serogroup B or an immunogenic composition thereof, as described above. See, for example, Example 22. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

When an exemplary immunogenic composition including four non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides and a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of each of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W135, and Y as described above was administered to mammals, the inventors surprisingly discovered that a synergistic bactericidal immune response may be elicited at least against serogroups B, C, and Y of Neisseria meningitidis, as compared to an immunogenic composition including the ORF2086 polypeptides wherein conjugates of a capsular saccharide are absent, and as compared to an immunogenic composition including a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of each of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W135, and Y wherein an ORF2086 polypeptide is absent. See, for example, Example 22. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least one non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide that acts synergistically with at least one conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, C, W135, and Y to elicit an immune response against Neisseria meningitidis. The immune response elicited may be against at least one of serogroups B, C, and Y of Neisseria meningitidis. The immunogenic composition may include a protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086, polynucleotides, or equivalents thereof as the sole active immunogen in the immunogenic composition. Alternatively, the immunogenic composition may further include active immunogens, including other Neisseria sp. immunogenic polypeptides, or immunologically-active proteins of one or more other microbial pathogens (e.g. virus, prion, bacterium, or fungus, without limitation) or capsular polysaccharide. The compositions may comprise one or more desired proteins, fragments or pharmaceutical compounds as desired for a chosen indication.

Any multi-antigen or multi-valent immunogenic composition is contemplated by the present invention. For example, the immunogenic composition may include combinations of two or more ORF2086 proteins, a combination of ORF2086 protein with one or more Por A proteins, a combination of ORF2086 protein with meningococcus serogroup A, C, Y and W135 polysaccharides and/or polysaccharide conjugates, a combination of ORF2086 protein with meningococcus and pneumococcus combinations, or a combination of any of the foregoing in a form suitable for a desired administration, e.g., for mucosal delivery. Persons of skill in the art would be readily able to formulate such multi-antigen or multi-valent immunologic compositions.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least two of the conjugates. In another embodiment, the composition includes at least three of the conjugates. For example, the compositions may include saccharides from: serogroups A and C; serogroups A and W135, serogroups A and Y; serogroups C and W135, serogroups W135 and Y; serogroups A, C, and W135, serogroups A, C, and Y; serogroups A, W135, and Y; serogroups C and W135, and Y. Compositions including at least one serogroup C saccharide are preferred (e.g., C and Y).

In yet another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and four conjugates, e.g., a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In a preferred embodiment, the conjugate is a conjugate of the capsular saccharide and a carrier protein. Suitable carrier proteins are known in the art. Preferably, the carrier protein is a bacterial toxin, such as a diphtheria or tetanus toxin, or toxoids or mutants thereof. Most preferably, the carrier protein is CRM₁₉₇. For example, in one embodiment, the composition includes at least one conjugate selected from (a) a conjugate of (i) the capsular saccharide of serogroup A N. meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇; (b) a conjugate of (i) the capsular saccharide of serogroup C N. meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇; (c) a conjugate of (i) the capsular saccharide of serogroup W135 N. meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇; and (d) a conjugate of (i) the capsular saccharide of serogroup Y N. meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇.

The capsular saccharides of serogroups A, C, W135, and Y are characterized and known in the art. For example, the capsular saccharide of serogroup A meningococcus is a homopolymer of (a 1→6)-linked N-acetyl-D-mannosamine-1-phosphate, with partial O-acetylation in the C3 and C4 positions. Acetylation at the C-3 position can be 70-95%. Conditions used to purify the saccharide can result in de-O-acetylation (e.g. under basic conditions), but it is useful to retain OAc at this C-3 position. In some embodiments, at least 50% (e.g. at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more) of the mannosamine residues in a serogroup A saccharides are 0-acetylated at the C-3 position. Acetyl groups can be replaced with blocking groups to prevent hydrolysis, and such modified saccharides are still serogroup A saccharides within the meaning of the invention.

The serogroup C capsular saccharide is a homopolymer of (a 2→9)-linked sialic acid (N-acetyl neuraminic acid). Most serogroup C strains have 0-acetyl groups at C-7 and/or C-8 of the sialic acid residues, but some clinical isolates lack these 0-acetyl groups.

The serogroup W135 saccharide is a polymer of sialic acid-galactose disaccharide units. Like the serogroup C saccharide, it has variable O-acetylation, but at sialic acid 7 and 9 positions. The structure is written as: →4)-D-NeupNAc(7/9OAc)-α-(2→6)-D-Gal-α-(1→.

The serogroup Y saccharide is similar to the serogroup W135 saccharide, except that the disaccharide-repeating unit includes glucose instead of galactose. The serogroup Y structure is written as: →4)-D-NeupNAc(7/9OAc)-α-(2→6)-D-Glc-α-(1→. Like serogroup W135, it has variable O-acetylation at sialic acid 7 and 9 positions.

The saccharides used according to the invention may be 0-acetylated as described above, e.g., with the same O-acetylation pattern as seen in native capsular saccharides, or they may be partially or totally de-O-acetylated at one or more positions of the saccharide rings, or they may be hyper-O-acetylated relative to the native capsular saccharides.

In one embodiment, immunogenic composition includes an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup

B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, wherein the non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide includes at least one of the following: B44, B09, A05, B22, A12, A22, A62, B24, B16, B15, and B03. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO: 75. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, and SEQ ID NO: 20, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, and SEQ ID NO: 20, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue.

The present invention also contemplates multi-immunization regimens wherein any composition useful against a pathogen may be combined therein or therewith the compositions of the present invention. For example, without limitation, a patient may be administered the immunogenic composition of the present invention and another immununological composition for immunizing against human papillomavirus virus (HPV), such as the HPV vaccine GARDASIL®, as part of a multi-immunization regimen. Persons of skill in the art would be readily able to select immunogenic compositions for use in conjunction with the immunogenic compositions of the present invention for the purposes of developing and implementing multi-immunization regimens.

The ORF2086 polypeptides, fragments and equivalents can be used as part of a conjugate immunogenic composition; wherein one or more proteins or polypeptides are conjugated to a carrier in order to generate a composition that has immunogenic properties against several serotypes, or serotypes of N. meningitidis, specifically meningococcus serogroups specifically serogroup B, and/or against several diseases. Alternatively, one of the ORF2086 polypeptides can be used as a carrier protein for other immunogenic polypeptides. Formulation of such immunogenic compositions is well known to persons skilled in this field.

Immunogenic compositions of the invention preferably include a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluents, and/or carrier. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers and/or diluents include any and all conventional solvents, dispersion media, fillers, solid carriers, aqueous solutions, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, and/or carriers include, for example, one or more of water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, and/or carriers may further include minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, preservatives or buffers, which enhance the shelf life or effectiveness of the antibody. The preparation and use of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, and/or carriers is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, use thereof in the immunogenic compositions of the present invention is contemplated.

Immunogenic compositions can be administered parenterally, e.g., by injection, either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, as well as orally or intranasally. Methods for intramuscular immunization are described by Wolff et al. Biotechniques, 11(4):474-85, (1991). and by Sedegah et al. PNAS Vol. 91, pp. 9866-9870, (1994). Other modes of administration employ oral formulations, pulmonary formulations, suppositories, and transdermal applications, for example, without limitation. Oral formulations, for example, include such normally employed excipients as, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, and the like, without limitation. Preferably, the immunogenic composition is administered intramuscularly.

The immunogenic compositions of the present invention can further comprise one or more additional “immunomodulators”, which are agents that perturb or alter the immune system, such that either up-regulation or down-regulation of humoral and/or cell-mediated immunity is observed. In one particular embodiment, up-regulation of the humoral and/or cell-mediated arms of the immune system is preferred. Examples of certain immunomodulators include, for example, an adjuvant or cytokine, or ISCOMATRIX (CSL Limited, Parkville, Australia), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,339 among others.

Non-limiting examples of adjuvants that can be used in the vaccine of the present invention include the R1131 adjuvant system (Ribi Inc., Hamilton, Mont.), alum, mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide gel, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions such as, e.g., Freund's complete and incomplete adjuvants, Block copolymer (CytRx, Atlanta Ga.), QS-21 (Cambridge Biotech Inc., Cambridge Mass.), SAF-M (Chiron, Emeryville Calif.), AMPHIGEN® adjuvant, saponin, Quil A or other saponin fraction, monophosphoryl lipid A, and Avridine lipid-amine adjuvant. Non-limiting examples of oil-in-water emulsions useful in the vaccine of the invention include modified SEAM62 and SEAM 1/2 formulations. Modified SEAM62 is an oil-in-water emulsion containing 5% (v/v) squalene (Sigma), 1% (v/v) SPAN® 85 detergent (ICI Surfactants), 0.7% (v/v) polysorbate ® 80 detergent (ICI Surfactants), 2.5% (v/v) ethanol, 200 μg/ml Quil A, 100 μg/ml cholesterol, and 0.5% (v/v) lecithin. Modified SEAM 1/2 is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising 5% (v/v) squalene, 1% (v/v) SPAN® 85 detergent, 0.7% (v/v) polysorbate 80 detergent, 2.5% (v/v) ethanol, 100 μg/ml Quil A, and 50 μg/ml cholesterol.

Other “immunomodulators” that can be included in the vaccine include, e.g., one or more interleukins, interferons, or other known cytokines or chemokines. In one embodiment, the adjuvant may be a cyclodextrin derivative or a polyanionic polymer, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,165,995 and 6,610,310, respectively. It is to be understood that the immunomodulator and/or adjuvant to be used will depend on the subject to which the vaccine or immunogenic composition will be administered, the route of injection and the number of injections to be given.

In some embodiments, the adjuvant is saponin. In some embodiments, the saponin concentration is between 1 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml, between 5 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml, or between 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml. In some embodiments, the saponin concentration is about 1 μg/ml, about 5 μg/ml, about 10 μg/ml, about 20 μg/ml, about 30 μg/ml, about 40 μg/ml, about 50 μg/ml, about 60 μg/ml, about 70 μg/ml, about 80 μg/ml, about 90 μg/ml, about 100 μg/ml, about 110 μg/ml, about 120 μg/ml, about 130 μg/ml, about 140 μg/ml, about 150 μg/ml, about 160 μg/ml, about 170 μg/ml, about 180 μg/ml, about 190 μg/ml, about 200 μg/ml, about 210 μg/ml, about 220 μg/ml, about 230 μg/ml, about 240 μg/ml, or about 250 μg/ml.

In certain preferred embodiments, the proteins of this invention are used in an immunogenic composition for oral administration which includes a mucosal adjuvant and used for the treatment or prevention of N. meningitidis infection in a human host. The mucosal adjuvant can be a cholera toxin; however, preferably, mucosal adjuvants other than cholera toxin which may be used in accordance with the present invention include non-toxic derivatives of a cholera holotoxin, wherein the A subunit is mutagenized, chemically modified cholera toxin, or related proteins produced by modification of the cholera toxin amino acid sequence. For a specific cholera toxin which may be particularly useful in preparing immunogenic compositions of this invention, see the mutant cholera holotoxin E29H, as disclosed in Published International Application WO 00/18434, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These may be added to, or conjugated with, the polypeptides of this invention. The same techniques can be applied to other molecules with mucosal adjuvant or delivery properties such as Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT).

Other compounds with mucosal adjuvant or delivery activity may be used such as bile; polycations such as DEAE-dextran and polyornithine; detergents such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulphate; lipid-conjugated materials; antibiotics such as streptomycin; vitamin A; and other compounds that alter the structural or functional integrity of mucosal surfaces. Other mucosally active compounds include derivatives of microbial structures such as MDP; acridine and cimetidine. STIMULON™ QS-21, MPL, and IL-12, as described above, may also be used.

The immunogenic compositions of this invention may be delivered in the form of ISCOMS (immune stimulating complexes), ISCOMS containing CTB, liposomes or encapsulated in compounds such as acrylates or poly(DL-lactide-co-glycoside) to form microspheres of a size suited to adsorption. The proteins of this invention may also be incorporated into oily emulsions.

An amount (i.e., dose) of immunogenic composition that is administered to the patient can be determined in accordance with standard techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, taking into consideration such factors as the particular antigen, the adjuvant (if present), the age, sex, weight, species, condition of the particular patient, and the route of administration.

For example, a dosage for an adolescent human patient may include at least 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 10 μg, or 50 μg of a Neisseria ORF2086 protein, and at most 80 μg, 100 μg, 150 μg, or 200 μg of a Neisseria ORF2086 protein. Any minimum value and any maximum value may be combined to define a suitable range.

Adjuvants

Immunogenic compositions as described herein also comprise, in certain embodiments, one or more adjuvants. An adjuvant is a substance that enhances the immune response when administered together with an immunogen or antigen. A number of cytokines or lymphokines have been shown to have immune modulating activity, and thus are useful as adjuvants, including, but not limited to, the interleukins 1-α, 1-β, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,127), 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 (and its mutant forms); the interferons-α, β and γ; granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,996 and ATCC Accession Number 39900); macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and the tumor necrosis factors α and β.

Still other adjuvants that are useful with the immunogenic compositions described herein include chemokines, including without limitation, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES; adhesion molecules, such as a selectin, e.g., L-selectin, P-selectin and E-selectin; mucin-like molecules, e.g., CD34, GlyCAM-1 and MadCAM-1, a member of the integrin family such as LFA-1, VLA-1, Mac-1 and p150.95, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily such as PECAM, ICAMs, e.g., ICAM-1, ICAM-2 and ICAM-3, CD2 and LFA-3; co-stimulatory molecules such as B7-1, B7-2, CD40 and CD40L, growth factors including vascular growth factor, nerve growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, PDGF, BL-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor; receptor molecules including Fas, TNF receptor, Flt, Apo-1, p55, WSL-1, DR3, TRAMP, Apo-3, AIR, LARD, NGRF, DR4, DR5, KILLER, TRAIL-R2, TRICK2, and DR6; and Caspase (ICE).

Other exemplary adjuvants include, but are not limited to aluminum hydroxide; aluminum phosphate; STIMULON™ QS-21 (Aquila Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Framingham, Mass.); MPL™ (3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A; Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.), 529 (an amino alkyl glucosamine phosphate compound, Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.), IL-12 (Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass.); GM-CSF (Immunex Corp., Seattle, Wash.); N-acetyl-muramyl-L-theronyl-D-isoglutamine (thr-MDP); N-acetyl-nor-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (CGP 11637, referred to as nor-MDP); N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl-L-alanine-2-(1′-2′-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-hydroxyphos-phoryloxy-ethylamine) (CGP 19835A, referred to as MTP-PE); and cholera toxin. In certain preferred embodiments, the adjuvant is OS-21.

Additional exemplary adjuvants include non-toxic derivatives of cholera toxin, including its A subunit, and/or conjugates or genetically engineered fusions of the N. meningitidis polypeptide with cholera toxin or its B subunit (“CTB”), procholeragenoid, fungal polysaccharides, including schizophyllan, muramyl dipeptide, muramyl dipeptide (“MDP”) derivatives, phorbol esters, the heat labile toxin of E. coli, block polymers or saponins.

Aluminum phosphate has been used as the adjuvant in a phase 1 clinical trial to a concentration 0.125 mg/dose, much lower than the limit of 0.85 mg/dose specified by the US Code of Federal Regulations [610.15(a)]. Aluminum-containing adjuvants are widely used in humans to potentiate the immune response of antigens when administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. In some embodiments, the concentration of aluminum in the immunogenic composition is between 0.125 μg/ml and 0.5 μg/ml, between 0.20 μg/ml and 0.40 μg/ml, or between 0.20 μg/ml and 0.30 μg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of aluminum in the immunogenic composition is about 0.125 μg/ml, about 0.15 μg/ml, about 0.175 μg/ml, about 0.20 μg/ml, about 0.225 μg/ml, about 0.25 μg/ml, about 0.275 μg/ml, about 0.30 μg/ml, about 0.325 μg/ml, about 0.35 μg/ml, about 0.375 μg/ml, about 0.40 μg/ml, about 0.425 μg/ml, about 0.45 μg/ml, about 0.475 μg/ml, or about 0.50 μg/ml.

In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of aluminum in the immunogenic composition is between 0.125 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, between 0.20 mg/ml and 0.40 mg/ml, or between 0.20 mg/ml and 0.30 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of aluminum in the immunogenic composition is about 0.125 mg/ml, about 0.15 mg/ml, about 0.175 mg/ml, about 0.20 mg/ml, about 0.225 mg/ml, about 0.25 mg/ml, about 0.275 mg/ml, about 0.30 mg/ml, about 0.325 mg/ml, about 0.35 mg/ml, about 0.375 mg/ml, about 0.40 mg/ml, about 0.425 mg/ml, about 0.45 mg/ml, about 0.475 mg/ml, or about 0.50 mg/ml.

Suitable adjuvants used to enhance an immune response further include, without limitation, MPL™ (3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A, Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.), which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,094. Also suitable for use as adjuvants are synthetic lipid A analogs or aminoalkyl glucosamine phosphate compounds (AGP), or derivatives or analogs thereof, which are available from Corixa (Hamilton, Mont.), and which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,918. One such AGP is 2-[(R)-3-Tetradecanoyloxytetradecanoylamino]ethyl 2-Deoxy-4-O-phosphono-3-O—[(R)-3-tetradecanoyoxytetrade-canoyl]-2-[(R)-3-tetradecanoyloxytetradecanoyl-amino]-b-D-glucopyranoside, which is also known as 529 (formerly known as RC529). This 529 adjuvant is formulated as an aqueous form (AF) or as a stable emulsion (SE).

Still other adjuvants include muramyl peptides, such as N-acetyl-muramyl-L-threonyl-D-isoglutamine (thr-MDP), N-acetyl-normuramyl-L-alanine-2-(1′-2′ dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-hydroxyphosphoryl-oxy)-ethylamine (MTP-PE); oil-in-water emulsions, such as MF59 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,884) (containing 5% Squalene, 0.5% polysorbate 80, and 0.5% SPAN 85 (optionally containing various amounts of MTP-PE) formulated into submicron particles using a microfluidizer such as Model 110Y microfluidizer (Microfluidics, Newton, Mass.)), and SAF (containing 10% Squalene, 0.4% polysorbate 80, 5% PLURONIC-blocked polymer L121, and thr-MDP, either microfluidized into a submicron emulsion or vortexed to generate a larger particle size emulsion); incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA); aluminum salts (alum), such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, aluminum sulfate; AMPHIGEN; Avridine; L121/squalene; D-lactide-polylactide/glycoside; PLURONIC polyols; killed Bordetella; saponins, such as Stimulon™ QS-21 (Antigenics, Framingham, Mass.), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,540, ISCOMATRIX (CSL Limited, Parkville, Australia), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,339, and immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMATRIX), Mycobacterium tuberculosis; bacterial lipopolysaccharides; synthetic polynucleotides such as oligonucleotides containing a CpG motif (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,646); IC-31 (Intercell AG, Vienna, Austria), described in European Patent Nos. 1,296,713 and 1,326,634; a pertussis toxin (PT) or mutant thereof, a cholera toxin or mutant thereof (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,285,281, 7,332,174, 7,361,355 and 7,384,640); or an E. coli heat-labile toxin (LT) or mutant thereof, particularly LT-K63, LT-R72 (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,919, 7,115,730 and 7,291,588).

Methods of Producing Non-Lipidated P2086 Antigens

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. The method includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding an ORF2086 polypeptide wherein the N-terminal cysteine is deleted as compared to the corresponding wild-type sequence, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is operatively linked to an expression system that is capable of being expressed in a bacterial cell. Exemplary polypeptides produced by the method include any polypeptide described herein. For example, preferably, the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; SEQ ID NO: 13; SEQ ID NO: 14; SEQ ID NO: 15; SEQ ID NO: 16; SEQ ID NO: 17; SEQ ID NO: 18; SEQ ID NO: 19; SEQ ID NO: 20; SEQ ID NO: 21; SEQ ID NO: 58; SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted, as compared to the corresponding wild-type sequence. In another preferred embodiment, the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. Additional exemplary polypeptides include a polypeptide having the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO: 75. An additional exemplary polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 77. Further examples include SEQ ID NO: 80 (B24) and SEQ ID NO: 81 (B24). The method further includes purifying the polypeptide.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for producing soluble non-lipidated P2086 antigens comprising the steps of cloning the ORF2086 variant nucleic acid sequence into an E. coli expression vector without a lipidation control sequence, transforming E. coli bacteria with the ORF2086 expression vector, inducing expression and isolating the expressed P2086 protein. In some embodiments, expression is induced with IPTG.

In some embodiments, the codon for the N-terminal Cys of the ORF2086 variant is deleted. Examples of such codons include TGC. In some embodiments, the codon for the N-terminal Cys of the ORF2086 variant is mutated by point mutagenesis to generate an Ala, Gly, or Val codon. In some embodiments, Ser and Gly codons are added to the N-terminal tail of the ORF2086 variant to extend the Gly/Ser stalk immediately downstream of the N-terminal Cys. In some embodiments, the total number of Gly and Ser residues within the Gly/Ser stalk is at least 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12. In some embodiments, the codon for the N-terminal Cys is deleted. In some embodiments, the N-terminal 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 residues are either Gly or Ser.

In some embodiments, the codons of the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant are optimized by point mutagenesis. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant is optimized to match the N-terminal tail of the B09 variant. In some embodiments, the codons of the N-terminal tail of the ORF2086 variant are optimized by point mutagenesis such that the codon encoding the fifth amino acid of the ORF2086 variant is 100% identical to nucleotides 13-15 of SEQ ID NO: 8 and the codon encoding the thirteenth amino acid of the ORF2086 variant is 100% identical to nucleotides 37-39 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant is optimized such that the 5′ 45 nucleic acids are 100% identical to nucleic acids 1-45 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant is optimized such that the 5′ 42 nucleic acids are 100% identical to nucleic acids 4-45 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant is optimized such that the 5′ 39 nucleic acids are 100% identical to nucleic acids 4-42 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086 variant comprises at least one amino acid substitution compared to amino acids 1-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086 variant comprises two amino acid substitutions compared to amino acids 1-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086 variant comprises at least one amino acid substitution compared to amino acids 2-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086 variant comprises two amino acid substitutions compared to amino acids 2-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions are conservative amino acid substitutions.

In some embodiments, the codons of the non-lipidated variant have been optimized for increased expression. Codon optimization is known in the art. See, e.g., Sastalla et al, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 75(7): 2099-2110 (2009) and Coleman et al, Science, vol. 320: 1784 (2008). In some embodiments, codon optimization includes matching the codon utilization of an amino acid sequence with the codon frequency of the host organism chosen while including and/or excluding specific DNA sequences. In some embodiments, codon optimization further includes minimizing the corresponding secondary mRNA structure to reduce translational impediments. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail has been codon optimized to comprise any one of SEQ ID NO: 28, 30, 32, and 34. In some embodiments, the Gly/Ser stalk has been codon optimized to comprise any one of SEQ ID NO: 28, 30, 32, and 34.

In order that this invention may be better understood, the following examples are set forth. The examples are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Immunogenic Composition Formulations

In certain embodiments, the immunogenic compositions of the invention further comprise at least one of an adjuvant, a buffer, a cryoprotectant, a salt, a divalent cation, a non-ionic detergent, an inhibitor of free radical oxidation, a diluent or a carrier.

The immunogenic compositions of the invention may further comprise one or more preservatives in addition to a plurality of meningococcal protein antigens and capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugates. The FDA requires that biological products in multiple-dose (multi-dose) vials contain a preservative, with only a few exceptions. Vaccine products containing preservatives include vaccines containing benzethonium chloride (anthrax), 2-phenoxyethanol (DTaP, HepA, Lyme, Polio (parenteral)), phenol (Pneumo, Typhoid (parenteral), Vaccinia) and thimerosal (DTaP, DT, Td, HepB, Hib, Influenza, JE, Mening, Pneumo, Rabies). Preservatives approved for use in injectable drugs include, e.g., chlorobutanol, m-cresol, methylparaben, propylparaben, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, phenol, thimerosal and phenylmercuric nitrate.

Formulations of the invention may further comprise one or more of a buffer, a salt, a divalent cation, a non-ionic detergent, a cryoprotectant such as a sugar, and an anti-oxidant such as a free radical scavenger or chelating agent, or any multiple combination thereof. The choice of any one component, e.g., a chelator, may determine whether or not another component (e.g., a scavenger) is desirable. The final composition formulated for administration should be sterile and/or pyrogen free. The skilled artisan may empirically determine which combinations of these and other components will be optimal for inclusion in the preservative containing immunogenic compositions of the invention depending on a variety of factors such as the particular storage and administration conditions required.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which is compatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more physiologically acceptable buffers selected from, but not limited to, Tris (trimethamine), phosphate, acetate, borate, citrate, glycine, histidine and succinate. In certain embodiments, the formulation is buffered to within a pH range of about 6.0 to about 9.0, preferably from about 6.4 to about 7.4.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to adjust the pH of the immunogenic composition or formulation of the invention. The pH of a formulation of the invention may be adjusted using standard techniques in the art. The pH of the formulation may be adjusted to be between 3.0 and 8.0. In certain embodiments, the pH of the formulation may be, or may adjusted to be, between 3.0 and 6.0, 4.0 and 6.0, or 5.0 and 8.0. In other embodiments, the pH of the formulation may be, or may adjusted to be, about 3.0, about 3.5, about 4.0, about 4.5, about 5.0, about 5.5, about 5.8, about 6.0, about 6.5, about 7.0, about 7.5, or about 8.0. In certain embodiments, the pH may be, or may adjusted to be, in a range from 4.5 to 7.5, or from 4.5 to 6.5, from 5.0 to 5.4, from 5.4 to 5.5, from 5.5 to 5.6, from 5.6 to 5.7, from 5.7 to 5.8, from 5.8 to 5.9, from 5.9 to 6.0, from 6.0 to 6.1, from 6.1 to 6.2, from 6.2 to 6.3, from 6.3 to 6.5, from 6.5 to 7.0, from 7.0 to 7.5 or from 7.5 to 8.0. In a specific embodiment, the pH of the formulation is about 5.8.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which is compatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more divalent cations, including but not limited to MgCl₂, CaCl₂ and MnCl₂, at a concentration ranging from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, with up to about 5 mM being preferred.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which is compatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more salts, including but not limited to sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, and potassium sulfate, present at an ionic strength which is physiologically acceptable to the subject upon parenteral administration and included at a final concentration to produce a selected ionic strength or osmolarity in the final formulation. The final ionic strength or osmolality of the formulation will be determined by multiple components (e.g., ions from buffering compound(s) and other non-buffering salts. A preferred salt, NaCl, is present from a range of up to about 250 mM, with salt concentrations being selected to complement other components (e.g., sugars) so that the final total osmolarity of the formulation is compatible with parenteral administration (e.g., intramuscular or subcutaneous injection) and will promote long term stability of the immunogenic components of the immunogenic composition formulation over various temperature ranges. Salt-free formulations will tolerate increased ranges of the one or more selected cryoprotectants to maintain desired final osmolarity levels.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which is compatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more cryoprotectants selected from but not limited to disaccharides (e.g., lactose, maltose, sucrose or trehalose) and polyhydroxy hydrocarbons (e.g., dulcitol, glycerol, mannitol and sorbitol).

In certain embodiments, the osmolarity of the formulation is in a range of from about 200 mOs/L to about 800 mOs/L, with a preferred range of from about 250 mOs/L to about 500 mOs/L, or about 300 mOs/L-about 400 mOs/L. A salt-free formulation may contain, for example, from about 5% to about 25% sucrose, and preferably from about 7% to about 15%, or about 10% to about 12% sucrose. Alternatively, a salt-free formulation may contain, for example, from about 3% to about 12% sorbitol, and preferably from about 4% to 7%, or about 5% to about 6% sorbitol. If salt such as sodium chloride is added, then the effective range of sucrose or sorbitol is relatively decreased. These and other such osmolality and osmolarity considerations are well within the skill of the art.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which is compatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more free radical oxidation inhibitors and/or chelating agents. A variety of free radical scavengers and chelators are known in the art and apply to the formulations and methods of use described herein. Examples include but are not limited to ethanol, EDTA, a EDTA/ethanol combination, triethanolamine, mannitol, histidine, glycerol, sodium citrate, inositol hexaphosphate, tripolyphosphate, ascorbic acid/ascorbate, succinic acid/succinate, malic acid/maleate, desferal, EDDHA and DTPA, and various combinations of two or more of the above. In certain embodiments, at least one non-reducing free radical scavenger may be added at a concentration that effectively enhances long term stability of the formulation. One or more free radical oxidation inhibitors/chelators may also be added in various combinations, such as a scavenger and a divalent cation. The choice of chelator will determine whether or not the addition of a scavenger is needed.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which is compatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more non-ionic surfactants, including but not limited to polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, Polysorbate-80 (TWEEN 80), Polysorbate-60 (TWEEN 60), Polysorbate-40 (TWEEN 40) and Polysorbate-20 (TWEEN 20), polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, including but not limited to BRIJ 58, BRIJ 35, as well as others such as TRITON X-100; TRITON X-114, NP40, SPAN 85 and the PLURONIC series of non-ionic surfactants (e.g., PLURONIC 121), with preferred components Polysorbate-80 at a concentration from about 0.001% to about 2% (with up to about 0.25% being preferred) or Polysorbate-40 at a concentration from about 0.001% to 1% (with up to about 0.5% being preferred).

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention comprises one or more additional stabilizing agents suitable for parenteral administration, e.g., a reducing agent comprising at least one thiol (—SH) group (e.g., cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine, reduced glutathione, sodium thioglycolate, thiosulfate, monothioglycerol, or mixtures thereof). Alternatively or optionally, preservative-containing immunogenic composition formulations of the invention may be further stabilized by removing oxygen from storage containers, protecting the formulation from light (e.g., by using amber glass containers).

Preservative-containing immunogenic composition formulations of the invention may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents, carriers or excipients, which includes any excipient that does not itself induce an immune response. Suitable excipients include but are not limited to macromolecules such as proteins, saccharides, polylactic acids, polyglycolic acids, polymeric amino acids, amino acid copolymers, sucrose (Paoletti et al, 2001, Vaccine, 19:2118), trehalose, lactose and lipid aggregates (such as oil droplets or liposomes). Such diluent, excipient, and/or carriers are well known to the skilled artisan. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are discussed, e.g., in Gennaro, 2000, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20^(th) edition, ISBN:0683306472.

Compositions of the invention may be lyophilized or in aqueous form, i.e. solutions or suspensions. Liquid formulations may advantageously be administered directly from their packaged form and are thus ideal for injection without the need for reconstitution in aqueous medium as otherwise required for lyophilized compositions of the invention.

Direct delivery of immunogenic compositions of the present invention to a subject may be accomplished by parenteral administration (intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intradermally, subcutaneously, intravenously, or to the interstitial space of a tissue); or by rectal, oral, vaginal, topical, transdermal, intranasal, ocular, aural, pulmonary or other mucosal administration. In a preferred embodiment, parenteral administration is by intramuscular injection, e.g., to the thigh or upper arm of the subject. Injection may be via a needle (e.g., a hypodermic needle), but needle free injection may alternatively be used. A typical intramuscular dose is 0.5 mL. Compositions of the invention may be prepared in various forms, e.g., for injection either as liquid solutions or suspensions. In certain embodiments, the composition may be prepared as a powder or spray for pulmonary administration, e.g., in an inhaler. In other embodiments, the composition may be prepared as a suppository or pessary, or for nasal, aural or ocular administration, e.g., as a spray, drops, gel or powder.

Optimal amounts of components for a particular immunogenic composition may be ascertained by standard studies involving observation of appropriate immune responses in subjects. Following an initial vaccination, subjects can receive one or several booster immunizations adequately spaced.

Packaging and Dosage Forms

Immunogenic compositions of the invention may be packaged in unit dose or multi-dose form (e.g. 2 doses, 4 doses, or more). For multi-dose forms, vials are typically but not necessarily preferred over pre-filled syringes. Suitable multi-dose formats include but are not limited to: 2 to 10 doses per container at 0.1 to 2 mL per dose. In certain embodiments, the dose is a 0.5 mL dose. See, e.g., International Patent Application WO2007/127668, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Compositions may be presented in vials or other suitable storage containers, or may be presented in pre-filled delivery devices, e.g., single or multiple component syringes, which may be supplied with or without needles. A syringe typically but need not necessarily contains a single dose of the preservative-containing immunogenic composition of the invention, although multi-dose, pre-filled syringes are also envisioned. Likewise, a vial may include a single dose but may alternatively include multiple doses.

Effective dosage volumes can be routinely established, but a typical dose of the composition for injection has a volume of 0.5 mL. In certain embodiments, the dose is formulated for administration to a human subject. In certain embodiments, the dose is formulated for administration to an adult, teen, adolescent, toddler or infant (i.e., no more than one year old) human subject and may in preferred embodiments be administered by injection.

Liquid immunogenic compositions of the invention are also suitable for reconstituting other immunogenic compositions which are presented in lyophilized form. Where an immunogenic composition is to be used for such extemporaneous reconstitution, the invention provides a kit with two or more vials, two or more ready-filled syringes, or one or more of each, with the contents of the syringe being used to reconstitute the contents of the vial prior to injection, or vice versa.

Alternatively, immunogenic compositions of the present invention may be lyophilized and reconstituted, e.g., using one of a multitude of methods for freeze drying well known in the art to form dry, regular shaped (e.g., spherical) particles, such as micropellets or microspheres, having particle characteristics such as mean diameter sizes that may be selected and controlled by varying the exact methods used to prepare them. The immunogenic compositions may further comprise an adjuvant which may optionally be prepared with or contained in separate dry, regular shaped (e.g., spherical) particles such as micropellets or microspheres. In such embodiments, the present invention further provides an immunogenic composition kit comprising a first component that includes a stabilized, dry immunogenic composition, optionally further comprising one or more preservatives of the invention, and a second component comprising a sterile, aqueous solution for reconstitution of the first component. In certain embodiments, the aqueous solution comprises one or more preservatives, and may optionally comprise at least one adjuvant (see, e.g., WO2009/109550 (incorporated herein by reference).

In yet another embodiment, a container of the multi-dose format is selected from one or more of the group consisting of, but not limited to, general laboratory glassware, flasks, beakers, graduated cylinders, fermentors, bioreactors, tubings, pipes, bags, jars, vials, vial closures (e.g., a rubber stopper, a screw on cap), ampoules, syringes, dual or multi-chamber syringes, syringe stoppers, syringe plungers, rubber closures, plastic closures, glass closures, cartridges and disposable pens and the like. The container of the present invention is not limited by material of manufacture, and includes materials such as glass, metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) and polymers (e.g., thermoplastics, elastomers, thermoplastic-elastomers). In a particular embodiment, the container of the format is a 5 mL Schott Type 1 glass vial with a butyl stopper. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the format set forth above is by no means an exhaustive list, but merely serve as guidance to the artisan with respect to the variety of formats available for the present invention. Additional formats contemplated for use in the present invention may be found in published catalogues from laboratory equipment vendors and manufacturers such as United States Plastic Corp. (Lima, Ohio), VWR.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Experimental Procedures

Serum Bactericidal Assay

Cynomolgus macaques (n=5/group) were immunized intramuscularly with rLP2086 or rP2086 (A+B) proteins adsorbed to AlPO₄. Cynomolgus macaques are an example of non-human primates. Animals were vaccinated at weeks 0, 4 and 24, and ORF2086-specific IgG and functional antibody titers were determined at weeks 0, 4, 6 and 26. Serum ORF2086-specific IgG titers were determined against rLP2086A and B.

Functional antibody titers were examined by serum bactericidal assay (SBA) against Neisseria meningitidis strains expressing either LP2086 with sequences homologous or heterologous to those contained in the vaccine.

Serum bactericidal antibodies in macaques or rabbits immunized with ORF2086 vaccine were determined using SBAs with human complement. Rabbit immune sera or macaques immune sera were heat-inactivated to remove intrinsic complement activity and subsequently serially diluted 1:2 in Dulbecco's PBS with Ca2+ and Mg2+(D-PBS) in a 96-well microtiter plate to test for serum bactericidal activity against N. meningitidis strains. Bacteria used in the assay were grown in GC media supplemented with Kellogg's supplement (GCK) and monitored by optical density at 650 nm. Bacteria were harvested for use in the assay at a final OD₆₅₀ of 0.50-0.55, diluted in D-PBS and 1000-3000 CFU were added to the assay mixture with 20% human complement.

Human serum with no detectable bactericidal activity was used as the exogenous complement source. Complement sources were tested for suitability against each individual test strain. A complement source was used only if the number of bacteria surviving in controls without added immune sera was >75%. Ten unique complement sources were required to perform the SBAs described in this study.

After a 30 min incubation at 37° C. with 5% CO₂, D-PBS was added to the reaction mixture and aliquots transferred to microfilter plates filled with 50% GCK media. The microfilter plates were filtered, incubated overnight at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ and microcolonies were stained and quantified. The serum bactericidal titers were defined as the interpolated reciprocal serum dilution that yielded a 50% reduction in CFU compared to the CFU in control wells without immune sera. The SBA titer is defined as the reciprocal of the interpolated dilution of test serum that causes a 50% reduction in bacterial counts after a 30 min incubation at 37° C. Susceptibility to killing with ORF2086 immune sera was established if there was a 4-fold or greater rise in SBA titer for ORF2086 immune sera compared to the corresponding pre-immune sera. Sera that were negative against the assay strain at the starting dilution were assigned a titer of one half the limit of detection for the assay (i.e. 4).

Example 2: Cloning and Expression of Non-Lipidated ORF2086 Variants

The mature P2086 amino acid sequence corresponding to residues 27-286 from N. meningitidis strain M98250771 (A05) was originally derived from PCR amplification from genomic DNA. The forward primer, with a sequence of TGCCATATGAGCAGCGGAAGCGGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 22), annealed to the 5′ sequence and contained an NdeI site for cloning. The reverse primer, with a sequence of CGGATCCCTACTGTTTGCCGGCGATGC (SEQ ID NO: 23), annealed to the 3′ end of the gene and contained a termination codon TAG followed by restriction site BamHI. The 799 bp amplified fragment was first cloned into an intermediate vector PCR2.1 (Invitrogen, Carlesbac, Calif.) This plasmid was cleaved with NdeI and BamHI, and was ligated into expression vector pET9a (Novagen, Madison, Wis.) which had been cleaved with NdeI and BamHI. The resulting vector pLA100 (which includes SEQ ID NO: 54), expressed the mature Subfamily A05 P2086 from strain M98250771 without the N-terminal cysteine (see SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55) that would be present in the lipidated protein. BLR(DE3) E. coli host strain [F-ompT hsdSB(rB-mB-) gal dcm A(srl-recA)306::Tn10 (TetR) (DE3)] (Novagen) was used to obtain expression of fHBP.

The same cloning steps were used to prepare the B02, B03, B09, B22, B24, B44, A04, A12, and A22 N-terminal Cys-deleted variants. The N-terminal Cys-containing variants were also prepared by this same method using forward primers which also included the Cys codon (e.g. the first codon of SEQ ID NOs: 1-11). Based on the sequences provided herein, the skilled worker would be able to design forward and reverse primers for each of these variants. For example, the following primers were used to amplify the B44 non-lipidated variant followed by cloning into pET9a using NdeI and BlpI.

TABLE 1 N-terminal SEQ  Cys Primer Sequence ID NO Included - Fwd 5′ TTTCTTcccgggAAGGAGatatac 24 atatgTGCAGCAGCGGAGGCGGCGG 3′ Included - Rev 5′ TTTCTTgctcagcaTTATTGC 25  TTGGCGGCAAGACCGAT 3′ Deleted - Fwd 5′ TTTCTTcccgggAAGGAGatatac 26 atatgAGCAGCGGAGGCGGCGG 3′ Deleted - Rev 5′ TTTCTTgctcagcaTTATTGC 27 TTGGCGGCAAGACCGAT 3′ Results

Non-lipidated plasmid constructs were strongly expressed, but the non-lipidated protein variants were pyruvylated at the N-terminal Cys residue. See Examples 8 and 9, which describes, for example, a method for expressing the constructs. To overcome this pyruvylation, the N-terminal Cys codon was deleted. See, for example, Example 10. Deletion of the N-terminal Cys, however, abrogated expression of the A22 and B22 variants. See e.g., FIG. 4. The A05, B01, and B44 variants, however, were still expressed despite deletion of the N-terminal Cys residue. See, for example, SEQ ID NO: 13 (A05), wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 35 (B01 N-terminus), and SEQ ID NO: 21(B44), wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted. See e.g., FIG. 5. In addition, expression of the non-lipidated B09 variant was not affected by deletion of the N-terminal Cys residue. See, for example, Example 4.

Example 3: Effect of Gly/Ser Stalk on Non-Lipidated Variant Expression

To determine why the A05, B01, and B44 variants were expressed in the absence of the N-terminal Cys and the A22 and B22 variants were not, the sequences of these variants were aligned. The A05, B01, and B44 variants all possess an extended series of 10 or 11 Gly and Ser residues immediately following the N-terminal Cys (i.e. Gly/Ser stalk). The A22 and B22 variants, however, only had a Gly/Ser stalk consisting of 6 Gly and Ser residues. Accordingly, the Gly/Ser stalk of the A22 and B22 variants was expanded by insertion of additional Gly and Ser residues.

Long Gly/Ser stalk variants were prepared by the methods described in Example 2 using forward primers that encode a Gly/Ser stalk with either 10 or 11 Gly and Ser residues.

The N-terminal Cys-deleted, long Gly/Ser stalk (10-11 Gly/Ser residues) A22 and B22 variants showed increased expression over the N-terminal Cys-deleted A22 and B22 short Gly/Ser stalk (6 Gly/Ser residues) variants. These expression levels, however, were still reduced compared to the A05, B01, and B44 variant expression levels.

Example 4: Codon Optimization

Expression of the non-lipidated B09 variant was not affected by deletion of the N-terminal Cys residue (see SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 49). See, e.g., FIG. 6. Sequence evaluation of the B09 variant demonstrated that the B09 variant has a Gly/Ser stalk consisting of 6 Gly and Ser residues, similar to the Gly/Ser stalk of the A22 and B22 variants. Indeed, the N-terminal tails of the B09 and A22 variants are identical at the amino acid level. The N-terminal tails of the B09 and A22 variants (SEQ ID NO: 53 and 42, respectively), however, vary at the nucleic acid level by 2 nucleic acids: nucleic acids 15 and 39 of SEQ ID NO: 8. See e.g., FIG. 6. The first 14 amino acids of the N-terminal tail of the B22 variant are identical to the B09 and A22 variants, and the N-terminal tail of the B22 variant only differs at the 15th amino acid. Nucleic acids 1-42 of the B22 variant are identical to nucleic acids 1-42 of the A22 variant. Nucleic acids 1-42 of the B22 variant (see SEQ ID NO: 52) are identical to nucleic acids 1-42 of B09 (see SEQ ID NO: 53) but for differences at nucleic acids 15 and 39, when optimally aligned. Accordingly, the B22 variant differs from the B09 variant at amino acids 15 and 39 of SEQ ID NO: 8. This last sentence contains a typographical error and should state that the B22 variant differs from the B09 variant at nucleic acids 15 and 39 of SEQ ID NO: 8.

To determine if the nucleic acid differences affected the expression level of the B09 variant compared to the A22 and B22 variants, the A22 and B22 variants were mutated by point mutation to incorporate nucleic acids 15 and 39 into the corresponding codons for Gly5 and Gly13. Incorporation of these silent nucleic acid mutations significantly increased expression of the A22 and B22 N-terminal Cys-deleted variants to levels similar to the N-terminal Cys-deleted B09 variant. See e.g., FIG. 7. Accordingly, codon optimization to match the B09 variant can increase expression of N-terminal Cys-deleted non-lipidated P2086 variants.

Further analysis of the non-lipidated variant sequences suggested additional codon optimizations in the Gly/Ser stalk to improve expression. Accordingly, additional non-lipidated variants were constructed by the method of Example 2 using forward primers comprising such codon optimized sequences. The forward primers used to generate optimized Gly/Ser stalks include any of the following sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 28) ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 29)   M  S  S  G  G  G  G  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 30) ATGAGCTCTGGAAGCGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 31)   M  S  S  G  S  G  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 32) ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 33)   M  S  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 34) ATGAGCAGCGGGGGCGGTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 33)   M  S  S  G  G  G  G

Example 5: Immunogenic Composition Formulation Optimization

ISCOMATRIX formulated vaccines generate a rapid immune response resulting in a reduction in the number of dosages required to achieve a greater than 4 fold response rate as measured in a serum bactericidal assay. Groups of five rhesus macaques were immunized with different formulations of a bivalent non-lipidated rP2086 vaccine. The vaccine included a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 54) and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 51). The adjuvant units are as follows: AlPO₄ is 250 mcg, ISCOMATRIX is between 10 and 100 mcg. The adjuvant units for AlPO₄ shown in Tables 2-5 are shown as milligram units, and are therefore shown as 0.25 (milligram) as opposed to 250 mcg.

The immunization schedule was 0, 4 and 24 wks with bleeds at 0, 4, 6 and 26 weeks. There were no increases in SBA titers at post dose one for any of the groups. At post dose two, an increase in SBA titers and the number of responders as defined by a 4 fold increase in SBA titer above baseline was observed for formulations containing the ISCOMATRIX adjuvant. Tables 2 and 3 provide the SBA GMTs observed for a fHBP Subfamily A and B strain respectively. SBA GMTs for the ISCOMATRIX formulations were 3-19 and 4-2 4 fold higher than those observed for the AlPO4 formulation for the A and B subfamily strains respectively. Enhanced titers were also observed at post dose three for the ISCOMATRIX formulations at 13-95 and 2-10 for a fHBP Subfamily A and B strain respectively compared to the AlPO4 formulation. Analysis of the responder rates, as defined by a four fold or greater increase in SBA titer over baseline revealed a similar trend (Tables 4 and 5).

TABLE 2 SBA titers (GMTs) obtained for against a MnB LP2086 Subfamily A strain immune serum from rhesus macaques immunized with different formulations of a bivalent rP2086 vaccine Adjuvant Geometric Mean titer (GMT) Vaccine lipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 − 0.25 — − − − + — 10 − − + +++ 0.25 10 − − + ++ — 100 − − ++ ++++ 0.25 100 − − + +++ Five monkeys per group; Immunization schedule: 0, 4, 24 weeks; bleed schedule 0, 4, 6 and 26 wks. SBA test strain MnB M98 250771. “−” <8; “+” 8-32; “++” 33-128; “+++” 129-512; “++++” >512

TABLE 3 SBA titers (GMTs) obtained for against a MnB LP2086 Subfamily B strain immune serum from rhesus macaques immunized with different formulations of a bivalent rP2086 vaccine Adjuvant Geometric Mean titer (GMT) Vaccine lipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 − 0.25 — − − + +++ — 10 − − +++ ++++ 0.25 10 − − +++ ++++ — 100 − − +++ ++++ 0.25 100 − − ++ ++++ Five monkeys per group; Immunization schedule: 0, 4, 24 weeks; bleed schedule 0, 4, 6 and 26 wks. SBA test strain MnB CDC1127. “−” <8; “+” 8-32; “++” 33-128; “+++” 129-512; “++++” >512

TABLE 4 Number of rhesus macaques with a ≥4 fold rise in SBA Titer using a MnB LP2086 Subfamily A strain Adjuvant No. of responders^(b) Vaccine lipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 − 0.25 — 0 0 0 2 — 10 0 0 3 5 0.25 10 0 0 2 5 — 100 0 0 4 5 0.25 100 0 0 2 5

TABLE 5 Number of rhesus macaques with a ≥4 fold rise in SBA Titer using a MnB LP2086 Subfamily B strain Adjuvant No. of responders^(b) Vaccine lipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 − 0.25 — 0 0 3 5 — 10 0 0 5 5 0.25 10 0 0 5 5 — 100 0 0 4 4 0.25 100 0 0 3 5

Example 6: Immunoprotection Conferred by Lipidated and Non-Lipidated Variants

A recombinantly expressed non-lipidated P2086 variant (B44) induces broad protection as measured by SBA against strains that represent diverse fHBP variants (from about 85% to about <92% ID) LP2086 sequences. These response rates were obtained for a non lipidated vaccine formulated with AlPO₄. See Table 6, which shows SBA response rates to a subfamily B fHBP MnB strain generated by a bivalent fHBP vaccine. The non-lipidated vaccine (represented by a “-” under the “lipidation” column) included 1 mcg per protein of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted) and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted).

Alternatively, a recombinantly expressed non-lipidated P2086 variant (B44) induces greater immune responses as measured by SBA titer than a lipidated variant (B01) against strains bearing similar (>92% ID) and diverse (<92% ID) LP2086 sequences. Higher response rates (as defined by a four fold increase or greater in SBA titers over baseline) was observed for the vaccine containing the non-lipidated rP2086 B44 compared to the lipidated rLP2086 B01 vaccine (Table 6).

According to Table 6, non-lipidated B44 is a preferred subfamily B component of fHBP in a composition for providing broad coverage against (e.g., eliciting bactericidal antibodies against) multiple LP2086 variant strains.

Surprisingly, the inventors noted that LP2086 B09 variant strains are particularly unlikely to have positive SBA response rates with regard to heterologous (non-B09) ORF2086 polypeptides. In particular, the inventors found that LP2086 B09 is an exception in terms of an assay strain against which the A05/B44 immunogenic composition described in Table 6 elicited bactericidal antibodies. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment an immunogenic composition of the invention includes a B09 polypeptide, in particular in the context of a composition including more than one ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment an immunogenic composition that includes a non lipidated B44 may also include a non-lipidated B09 polypeptide.

TABLE 6 SBA response rates to a Subfamily B fHBP MnB strains generated by bivalent fHBP vaccines Immune serum from rhesus macaques. % ID to LP2086 Matched Variant Subfamilyfor % of non-lipidated responders Assay lipid- Vaccine PD3 Wk Adjuvant Strain Vaccine ation Component 26 B02 A05/B01 + 99.6 80 A05/B44 − 100 AIPO4 B03 A05/B01 + 86.7 50 0.25 mg A05/B44 − 80 B09 A05/B01 + 86.3 0 A05/B44 − 0 B15 A05/B01 + 86.7 25 A05/B44 − 80 B16 A05/B01 + 87.1 0 A05/B44 − 50 B16 A05/B01 + 87.1 0 A05/B44 − 60 B24 A05/B01 + 85.9 0 A05/B44 − 60 B44 A05/B01 + 100 100 A05/B44 − 100 ISCOMATRIX ® A05 A05/B44 − 100 100 (10 mcg) ISCOMATRIX ® A05 A05/B44 − 100 100 (100 mcg) ISCOMATRIX ® A22 A05/B44 − 88.9 80 (10 mcg) ISCOMATRIX ® A22 A05/B44 − 88.9 100 (100 mcg) Five monkeys per group; Immunization schedule: 0, 4, 24 weeks; bleed schedule 0, 4, 6, and 26 wks.

Example 7: Codon Optimization of the B44 and B09 Variants

Although the expression levels achieved in the preceding examples were adequate for many applications, further optimization was desirable, and E. coli expression constructs containing additional codon optimization over the full length of the protein were prepared and tested. One such improved sequence for expression of a non-Cys B44 protein was found to be the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43. As shown in Example 9, the expression construct containing SEQ ID NO: 43 showed enhanced expression compared to that of the non-optimized wild type sequence.

Expression of the N-terminal Cys deleted B09 protein was improved by applying codon changes from the above optimized B44 (SEQ ID NO: 43) construct to B09 (SEQ ID NO: 48). To generate optimized B09 sequences, the B44 optimized DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO: 43) was first aligned to the DNA sequence of the B09 allele (SEQ ID NO: 48). The entire non-lipidated coding sequence of the B09 allele (SEQ ID NO: 48) was optimized to reflect the codon changes seen in the B44 optimized allele (SEQ ID NO: 43) wherever the amino acids between B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) and B09 (SEQ ID NO: 49) were identical. Codon sequences in the B09 allele corresponding to the identical amino acids between the B09 allele and the B44 allele were changed to reflect the codon used in the B44 optimized sequence (SEQ ID NO: 43). Codon sequences for amino acids that differ between B09 (SEQ ID NO: 49) and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) were not changed in the B09 DNA sequence.

Additionally, the non-lipidated B44 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 44) contains two sequential serine-glycine repeat sequences (S-G-G-G-G)(SEQ ID NO: 56)(see also amino acids 2 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 44) at its N-terminus, whereas the B09 allele contains only one serine-glycine repeat at the N-terminus (see amino acids 2 to 6 and amino acids 7 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 49). The two serine-glycine repeats at the N-terminus of B44 (amino acids 2 to 6 and amino acids 7 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 44) also have different codon usage (see nucleotides 4 to 18 and nucleotides 19 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43), and different combinations of the optimized B44 serine-glycine repeat (e.g., either nucleotides 4 to 18 of SEQ ID NO: 43, or nucleotides 19 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43, or a combination thereof) were applied to the B09 DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO: 48, e.g., applied to nucleotides 4 to 18 of SEQ ID NO: 48) in order to examine the effect on recombinant protein expression.

Three different versions of optimized B09 were constructed: SEQ ID NO: 45 contains both serine-glycine repeats (GS1 and GS2) (nucleic acids 4 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43) from the optimized B44, SEQ ID NO: 46 contains GS1 (nucleic acids 4 to 18 of SEQ ID NO: 43), and SEQ ID NO: 47 contains GS2 (nucleic acids 19 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43). The DNA for all of the above codon optimized sequences were chemically synthesized using standard in the art chemistry. The resulting DNA was cloned into appropriate plasmid expression vectors and tested for expression in E. coli host cells as described in Examples 8 and 9.

Example 8: Method for Expressing ORF2086, B09 Variant

Cells of E. coli K-12 strain (derivatives of wild-type W3110 (CGSC4474) having deletions in recA, fhuA and araA) were transformed with plasmid pEB063, which includes SEQ ID NO: 45, pEB064, which includes SEQ ID NO: 46, plasmid pEB065, which includes SEQ ID NO: 47, or plasmid pLA134, which includes SEQ ID NO: 48. The preferred modifications to the K-12 strain are helpful for fermentation purposes but are not required for expression of the proteins.

Cells were inoculated to a glucose-salts defined medium. After 8 hours of incubation at 37° C. a linear glucose feed was applied and incubation was continued for an additional 3 hours. Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) was added to the culture to a final concentration of 0.1 mM followed by 12 hours of incubation at 37° C. Cells were collected by centrifugation at 16,000×g for 10 minutes and lysed by addition of Easy-Lyse™ Cell Lysing Kit” from Lienco Technologies (St. Louis, Mo.) and loading buffer. The cleared lysates were analyzed for expression of B09 by Coomassie staining of SDS-PAGE gels and/or Western blot analysis with quantitation by a scanning densitometer. The results from scanning densitometry are below in Table 7:

TABLE 7 Expression data in E. coli Percentage of total cell protein at 12 hours post IPTG induction, as measured by SDS-PAGE, scanning Protein Host cell Plasmid desitometry B09 E. coli K-12 pEB063 24% SEQ ID NO: 45 B09 E. coli K-12 pEB065 12% SEQ ID NO: 47 B09 E. coli K-12 pEB064 38% SEQ ID NO: 46 B09 E. coli K-12 pLA134 13% SEQ ID NO: 48

Example 9: Method for Expressing ORF2086, B44 Variant

Cells of E. coli B strain (BLR(DE3), Novagen) were transformed with plasmid pLN056, which includes SEQ ID NO: 51. Cells of E. coli K-12 strain (derivative of wild-type W3110) were transformed with plasmid pDK087, which includes SEQ ID NO: 43. Cells were inoculated to a glucose-salts defined medium. After 8 hours of incubation at 37° C. a linear glucose feed was applied and incubation was continued for an additional 3 hours. Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) was added to the culture to a final concentration of 0.1 mM followed by 12 hours of incubation at 37° C. Cells were collected by centrifugation at 16,000×g for 10 minutes and lysed by addition of Easy-Lyse™ Cell Lysing Kit” from Lienco Technologies (St. Louis, Mo.) and loading buffer. The supermatants were analyzed for expression of B09 by COOMASSIE staining of SDS-PAGE gels and/or Western blot analysis, with quantitation by a scanning densitometer. The results from scanning densitometry are below in Table 8:

TABLE 8 Expression data in E. coli Percentage of total cell protein at 12 hours post IPTG induction, as measured by SDS-PAGE, scanning Protein Host cell Plasmid desitometry. B44 E. coli B pLN056  1% SEQ ID NO: 51 B44 E. coli K-12 pDK087 17% SEQ ID NO: 43

Example 10: Pyruvylation

The present example demonstrates that the N-terminal Cys residue of non-lipidated ORF2086 proteins can become pyruvylated when expressed in, for example, E. coli.

Heterologous protein accumulation during production of variants A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13) and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 21) were monitored using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This separation was interfaced with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (QTOF-MS) to provide a means of monitoring formation of product related variants.

After being expressed in the E. coli B and/or K-12 host cells, products derived from these fermentations underwent a purification procedure during which a product modification was observed. Deconvolution of the mass spectra characterized the variants as exhibiting mass shifts of +70 Da, as compared to native products of 27640 and 27572 Da for A05 and B44, respectively.

Published literature indicated that a +70 Da mass shift had previously been observed in proteins and has been attributed to pyruvylation of the amino-terminal residue.

The presence and location of the pyruvate group was confirmed using the mass spectral fragmentation data (MS/MS). The data indicated that the modification was on an amino-terminal cysteine residue, i.e., amino acid at position 1, according to A05 and B44. For A05, the percentage of pyruvylated polypeptides was about 30%, as compared to the total number of A05 polypeptides (SEQ ID NO: 13). For B44 the percentage of pyruvylated polypeptides was about 25%, as compared to the total number of B44 polypeptides (SEQ ID NO: 21).

When A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55) and B44 variants (SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44), which do not contain an amino-terminal cysteine, were purified, there was no detectable pyruvylation (+70 Da).

Example 11: Immunogenicity of B09 and B44, Individually and in Combination

5-10 groups of rhesus maccaques monkeys were immunized with B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 49 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 48) or B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 43), or the A05, B09 and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 49 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 48, and SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 43, respectively) formulated with 250 mcg of AlPO₄ per dose. The monkeys were vaccinated via the intramuscular route at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 10 mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP alone or in combination as listed in Table 9 and 10. Both weeks 0 and 12 serum samples were analyzed in SBAs against MnB strains with either subfamily A or subfamily B fHBP variants. Responders were recorded as animals with a 4×rise in titer. The B44 variant tested was the optimized construct (SEQ ID NO: 43) and the broad response rates that were observed in previous studies (table above) were maintained for the optimized construct (Table 9) the B44 vaccine alone or in combination with B09. The B09 vaccine alone (Table 10) could also generate broadly cross reactive immune responses (Table 10).

TABLE 9 Response rates obtained for non lipidated fHBP vaccines in rhesus macaques % ≥4 X Rise Against Test Variant (PD3; 10 rhesus macaques per group) Vaccine A05 B44 B16 B24 B09 (10 mcg (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID per protein; NO: 13) NO: 21) NO: 60) NO: 20) NO: 18) B44 0 80 30 40 30 B44 + B09 + 60 80 40 50 30 A05 Rhesus macaques (n=10) were immunized i.m. at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 10 mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP alone or in combination as listed in the Vaccine column in formulation with 250 mcg of AlPO₄. Both weeks 0 and 10 serum samples were analyzed in SBAs against the MnB strains listed in the table. Responders are recorded as animals with a 4×rise in titer.

Table 9 indicates, for example, that a composition including a combination of non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44, B09, and A05 showed higher cross-coverage against the test variants as compared to the cross-coverage from a composition including B44 alone. In view of results shown in the present application, including in particular Table 6 and Table 9 together, compositions including B44, B09 and A05 alone or in combination are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In particular, compositions including both B44 and B09 are disclosed. Such composition preferably further includes a subfamily A polypeptide, such as in particular A05.

TABLE 10 Response rates obtained for non lipidated fHBP B09 vaccine in rhesus macaques % ≥4 × Rise Against Test Variant Vaccine (PD3; 5 rhesus macaques per group) (10 mcg per protein) A05 B44 B16 B24 B09 B09 40 60 40 60 60 Rhesus macaques (n=5) were immunized i.m. at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 10 mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP alone or in combination as listed in the Vaccine column in formulation with 250 mcg of AlPO₄. Both weeks 0 and 10 serum samples were analyzed in SBAs against the MnB strains listed in the table. Responders are recorded as animals with a 4×rise in titer.

Example 12: Immunoprotection Conferred by Lipidated and Non-Lipidated Variants Construct

Twenty female New Zealand white rabbits, 2.5-3.5 kg, obtained from Charles River Canada, were pre-screened by whole cell ELISA and 10 animals were selected for this study based on their low background titers against the test strains representing fHBP variants B02 (SEQ ID NO: 16) and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 21) (Table 11). Group of three animals were i.m. immunized with 100 μg of each protein formulated with 50 μg ISCOMATRIX per 0.5 ml dose at weeks 0, 4 and 9 (Table 12). Group 1 was vaccinated with non-lipidated B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44). A control group was included that was vaccinated with lipidated B01 formulated with AlPO4 (250 mcg) Rabbits were bled at weeks 0, 4, 9 and 10. Individual sera from week 10 were prepared and analyzed by serum bactericidal assay against multiple serogroup B meningococcal strains from the fHBP B subfamily.

TABLE 11 Rabbits Used in The Study Species: Rabbit Strain: New Zealand white Source:^(a) Charles River Laboratory No. of Animals Per Group: 3 Total No. of Animals: 9 Age and Sex: Female Weight: 2.5-3.5 kg

TABLE 12 Aluminium rfHBP ISCOMATRIX Phosphate (μg/0.5 ml (μg/0.5 ml (μg/0.5 ml Group # of animals Variant lipidated dose) dose) dose) 1 3 B44 − 100 50 2 3 B01 − 100 50 3 3 B01 + 100 — 100 Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA): A microcolony-based serum bactericidal assay (SBA) against multiple serogroup B meningococcal strains (Table 13) was performed on individual serum samples. Human sera from donors were qualified as the complement source for the strain tested in the assay. Complement-mediated antibody-dependent bactericidal titers were interpolated and expressed as the reciprocal of the dilution of the test serum that killed 50% of the meningococcal cells in the assay. The limit of detection of the assay was an SBA titer of 4. An SBA titer of <4 was assigned number of 2. A ≥4-fold rise of SBA titers in the week 10 sera in comparison to the titers in the pre-bleed was calculated and compared.

Serum bactericidal antibody activity as measured in the SBA is the immunologic surrogate of protection against meningococcal disease. The ability of immunization with non-lipidated rfHBP to elicit bactericidal antibodies in rabbits was determined by SBA. SBA measures the level of antibodies in a serum sample by mimicking the complement-mediated bacterial lysis that occurs naturally. Rabbit serum samples collected from week 10 were analyzed by SBA against strains with a B44 fHBP or a B02 fHBP. As shown in Table 13, one week after the third immunization (week 10), all serum samples displayed bactericidal activity against both test strains. (Table 13). The non-lipidated B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) was more immunogenic than non-lipidated B01 in New Zealand Rabbits against these strains. The non lipidated B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) formulated with the iscomatrix adjuvant gave comparable titers to the lipidated B01 formulated with aluminium phosphate against these strains. Rabbit pre-bleed sera showed generally no pre-existing bactericidal activity against the tested strains.

TABLE 13 Serum Bactericidal Activity against fHBP Subfamily B Strains in New Zealand White Rabbits Vaccinated with Recombinant Non-lipidated fHBP GMT SBA Titer against test variant Subfamily B variant B44 (SEQ B02 (SEQ (formulation) ID NO: 21) ID NO: 16) Non lipidated B44 (SEQ ID 6675 7140 NO: 44)(ISCOMATRIX) Non lipidated B01 625 1052 (ISCOMATRIX) Lipidated B01 (AlPO₄) 10099 10558

Example 13: Immunogenicity of Six Non-Lipidated Factor H Binding Proteins in New Zealand White Rabbits

Groups of 5 rabbits were immunized with non-lipidated fHBP variants as described in Table 14. Vaccines were administered at 0, 4 and 9 weeks. Rabbit serum samples collected from weeks 0 and 10 were analyzed by SBA against the strains with homologous and heterologous fHBP sequences. Table 14 shows the percent responders post the third immunization. One week after the third immunization (week 10), all serum samples displayed bactericidal activity against the homologous strains as well as other test strains from the same fHBP subfamily. Rabbits pre-bleed sera showed generally no pre-existing bactericidal activity against the tested strains.

TABLE 14 Post Dose Three Percent of Responders in New Zealand White Rabbits Vaccinated with Recombinant Non-lipidated fHBPs MnB Dose/0.5 fHBP mL AlPO₄/0.5 mL n B09 B16 B24 B44 A05 A12 A22 A05 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 80 100 A12 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 100 100 A22 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 80 80 80 B09 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 80 60 80 B22 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 40 100 60 100 B44 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 0 60 40 100 A05, 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 100 60 100 100 100 100 A12, each/400 B22, mcg total B44

MnB fHBP Proteins Used A05 SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 55 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 54 A12 SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted A22 SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted B09 SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 49 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 48. B22 SEQ ID NO: 19, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted B44 SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 51

Test variants in Table 14: B09 B16 B24 B44 A05 A12 A22 (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 18) NO: 60) NO: 20) NO: 21) NO: 13) NO: 14) NO: 15)

Example 14

>non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) SSGSGSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSISQNGTLT LSAQGAEKTFKVGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASG EFQIYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQL PSGKAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELAS AELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREK VHEIGIAGKQ >pEB042 (SEQ ID NO: 65) ATGAGCTCTGGAAGCGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGAGTTGCAGCAGACATTGG AACAGGATTAGCAGATGCACTGACGGCACCGTTGGATCATAAAGACAAAG GCTTGAAATCGCTTACCTTAGAAGATTCTATTTCACAAAATGGCACCCTT ACCTTGTCCGCGCAAGGCGCTGAAAAAACTTTTAAAGTCGGTGACAAAGA TAATAGCTTAAATACAGGTAAACTCAAAAATGATAAAATCTCGCGTTTTG ATTTCGTGCAAAAAATCGAAGTAGATGGCCAAACCATTACATTAGCAAGC GGTGAATTCCAAATATATAAACAAGACCATTCAGCAGTCGTTGCATTGCA AATTGAAAAAATCAACAACCCCGACAAAATCGACAGCCTGATAAACCAAC GTTCCTTCCTTGTCAGCGGTTTGGGCGGTGAACATACAGCCTTCAACCAA TTACCAAGCGGCAAAGCGGAGTATCACGGTAAAGCATTTAGCTCAGATGA TGCAGGCGGTAAATTAACTTATACAATTGACTTTGCAGCAAAACAAGGAC ATGGCAAAATTGAACATTTAAAAACACCCGAACAGAACGTAGAGCTCGCA TCCGCAGAACTCAAAGCAGATGAAAAATCACACGCAGTCATTTTGGGTGA CACGCGCTACGGCAGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACTTACCACTTAGCTCTTTTTG GCGACCGAGCTCAAGAAATCGCAGGTAGCGCAACCGTAAAGATAAGGGAA AAGGTTCACGAAATTGGGATCGCGGGCAAACAATAA >non-lipidated Al2 (SEQ ID NO: 66) SSGGGGSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKSLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKL KLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQTITLASGEF QIYKQNHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPD GKAEYHGKAFSSDDPNGRLHYSIDFTKKQGYGRIEHLKTPEQNVELASAE LKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVH EIGIAGKQ >pEB043 (SEQ ID NO: 67) ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGAGTTGCAGCAGACAT TGGAGCAGGATTAGCAGATGCACTGACGGCACCGTTGGATCATAAAGACA AAAGTTTGCAGTCGCTTACCTTAGATCAGTCTGTCAGGAAAAATGAGAAA CTTAAGTTGGCGGCGCAAGGCGCTGAAAAAACTTATGGAAACGGTGACAG CTTAAATACAGGTAAACTCAAAAATGATAAAGTCTCGCGTTTTGATTTCA TTCGTCAAATCGAAGTAGATGGCCAAACCATTACATTAGCAAGCGGTGAA TTCCAAATATATAAACAAAACCATTCAGCAGTCGTTGCATTGCAAATTGA AAAAATCAACAACCCCGACAAAATCGACAGCCTGATAAACCAACGTTCCT TCCTTGTCAGCGGTTTGGGCGGTGAACATACAGCCTTCAACCAATTACCA GACGGCAAAGCGGAGTATCACGGTAAAGCATTTAGCTCAGATGATCCGAA CGGTAGGTTACACTATTCCATTGACTTTACCAAAAAACAAGGATACGGCA GAATTGAACATTTAAAAACGCCCGAACAGAACGTAGAGCTCGCATCCGCA GAACTCAAAGCAGATGAAAAATCACACGCAGTCATTTTGGGTGACACGCG CTACGGCGGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACTTACCACTTAGCCCTTTTTGGCGACC GCGCTCAAGAAATCGCAGGTAGCGCAACCGTAAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTT CACGAAATTGGGATCGCGGGCAAACAATAA >non-lipidated A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) SSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKSLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQ GAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQIYKQ DHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPSGKAEY HGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADE KSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGIA GKQ >pEB058 (SEQ ID NO: 69) ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGAGTTGCAGCAGACATTGGAGCAGGATTAGC AGATGCACTGACGGCACCGTTGGATCATAAAGACAAAAGTTTGCAGTCGC TTACCTTAGATCAGTCTGTCAGGAAAAATGAGAAACTTAAGTTGGCGGCG CAAGGCGCTGAAAAAACTTATGGAAACGGTGACAGCTTAAATACAGGTAA ACTCAAAAATGATAAAGTCTCGCGTTTTGATTTCATTCGTCAAATCGAAG TAGATGGCCAACTTATTACATTAGAAAGCGGTGAATTCCAAATATATAAA CAAGACCATTCAGCAGTCGTTGCATTGCAAATTGAAAAAATCAACAACCC CGACAAAATCGACAGCCTGATAAACCAACGTTCCTTCCTTGTCAGCGGTT TGGGCGGTGAACATACAGCCTTCAACCAATTACCAAGCGGCAAAGCGGAG TATCACGGTAAAGCATTTAGCTCAGATGATGCAGGCGGTAAATTAACTTA TACAATTGACTTTGCAGCAAAACAAGGACATGGCAAAATTGAACATTTAA AAACACCCGAACAGAACGTAGAGCTCGCATCCGCAGAACTCAAAGCAGAT GAAAAATCACACGCAGTCATTTTGGGTGACACGCGCTACGGCGGCGAAGA AAAAGGTACTTACCACTTAGCTCTTTTTGGCGACCGAGCTCAAGAAATCG CAGGTAGCGCAACCGTAAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTTCACGAAATTGGGATC GCGGGCAAACAATAA >A62 (SEQ ID NO: 70). GenBank: ACI46789.1 CSSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAA QGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGKLITLESGEFQVYK QSHSALTALQTEQVQDSEDSGKMVAKRQFRIGDIAGEHTSFDKLPKGGSA TYRGTAFGSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKA DEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIG IAGKQ >non-lipidated A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) SSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQ GAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGKLITLESGEFQVYKQ SHSALTALQTEQVQDSEDSGKMVAKRQFRIGDIAGEHTSFDKLPKGGSAT YRGTAFGSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKAD EKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGI AGKQ >pLA164 (SEQ ID NO: 72) ATGAGCAGCGGAGGGGGCGGTGTCGCCGCCGACATCGGTGCGGGGCTTGC CGATGCACTAACCGCACCGCTCGACCATAAAGACAAAGGTTTGCAGTCTT TAACGCTGGATCAGTCCGTCAGGAAAAACGAGAAACTGAAGCTGGCGGCA CAAGGTGCGGAAAAAACTTATGGAAACGGCGACAGCCTTAATACGGGCAA ATTGAAGAACGACAAGGTCAGCCGCTTCGACTTTATCCGTCAAATCGAAG TGGACGGGAAGCTCATTACCTTGGAGAGCGGAGAGTTCCAAGTGTACAAA CAAAGCCATTCCGCCTTAACCGCCCTTCAGACCGAGCAAGTACAAGACTC GGAGGATTCCGGGAAGATGGTTGCGAAACGCCAGTTCAGAATCGGCGACA TAGCGGGCGAACATACATCTTTTGACAAGCTTCCCAAAGGCGGCAGTGCG ACATATCGCGGGACGGCGTTCGGTTCAGACGATGCTGGCGGAAAACTGAC CTATACTATAGATTTCGCCGCCAAACAGGGACACGGCAAAATCGAACACT TGAAAACACCCGAGCAAAATGTCGAGCTTGCCTCCGCCGAACTCAAAGCA GATGAAAAATCACACGCCGTCATTTTGGGCGACACGCGCTACGGCGGCGA AGAAAAAGGCACTTACCACCTCGCCCTTTTCGGCGACCGCGCCCAAGAAA TCGCCGGCTCGGCAACCGTGAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTTCACGAAATCGGC ATCGCCGGCAAACAGTAA >pDK086 (SEQ ID NO: 73) ATGTCCAGCGGTTCAGGCAGCGGCGGTGGAGGCGTGGCAGCAGATATCGG AACAGGTTTAGCAGATGCTCTGACAGCACCCTTAGATCACAAAGACAAAG GACTTAAATCACTGACATTGGAAGATTCTATCTCGCAAAATGGTACTCTC ACTCTTTCAGCCCAAGGCGCAGAAAAAACATTTAAAGTAGGCGATAAAGA TAACTCCTTAAATACAGGTAAATTAAAAAATGACAAAATCTCACGGTTTG ATTTCGTTCAGAAAATTGAAGTAGATGGACAAACGATTACATTAGCAAGC GGCGAATTCCAAATTTATAAACAAGACCATTCAGCAGTAGTAGCATTACA AATCGAAAAAATTAACAACCCGGACAAAATTGATTCTCTTATTAACCAAC GCTCTTTTCTCGTATCAGGACTTGGTGGTGAACATACAGCGTTTAATCAA CTGCCGTCAGGAAAAGCAGAATATCATGGTAAAGCATTTTCATCAGACGA CGCAGGTGGCAAACTGACCTATACTATTGACTTTGCAGCAAAACAGGGAC ATGGAAAAATTGAACATTTAAAAACACCCGAACAGAACGTAGAACTGGCC TCAGCAGAATTGAAAGCTGATGAAAAATCCCATGCAGTAATTTTAGGCGA TACACGTTACGGTAGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACATATCACTTAGCTCTTTTTG GCGATCGTGCTCAAGAAATTGCTGGTTCCGCAACAGTTAAAATCCGTGAA AAAGTACATGAAATCGGCATTGCAGGTAAACAATAA >A29 (SEQ ID NO: 74) CSSGGGGSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSIPQNGT LTLSAQGAEKTFKAGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLA SGEFQIYKQNHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFN QLPGDKAEYHGKAFSSDDPNGRLHYTIDFTNKQGYGRIEHLKTPELNVDL ASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIG EKVHEIGIAGKQ >non-lipidated B22 (SEQ ID NO: 75) SSGGGGVAADIGAVLADALTAPLDHKDKSLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQ GAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQVYKQ SHSALTALQTEQVQDSEHSGKMVAKRQFRIGDIAGEHTSFDKLPEGGRAT YRGTAFGSDDASGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKSPELNVDLAASDIKPD KKRHAVISGSVLYNQAEKGSYSLGIFGGQAQEVAGSAEVETANGIRHIGL AAKQ >non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 76) (pPW102) CGSSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSISQNGTLTLS AQGAEKTFKVGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASGEF QIYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPS GKAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAE LKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVH EIGIAGKQ >non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 77) GSSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSISQNGTLTLSA QGAEKTFKVGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASGEFQ IYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPSG KAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAEL KADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHE IGIAGKQ >Consensus (SEQ ID NO: 78) CSSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAA QGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQIYK QSHSALVALQTEQINNSDKSGSLINQRSFRISGIAGEHTAFNQLPKGGKA TYRGTAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKA DEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIG IAGKQ >Consensus (SEQ ID NO: 79) SSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQ GAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQIYKQ SHSALVALQTEQINNSDKSGSLINQRSFRISGIAGEHTAFNQLPKGGKAT YRGTAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKAD EKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGI AGKQ

Example 15: Generation of Non-Lipidated Variants of Subfamily a rP2086-Cloning of Non Lipidated fHBP Genes

The coding sequence of non lipidated A05 fHBP protein (SEQ ID NO: 55) was aligned to an expression-optimized B44 sequence (SEQ ID NO: 43). Wherever the amino acids between the two were identical, the codon from the B44 (SEQ ID NO: 43) was used to substitute in the A05 gene. The optimized sequence was synthesized de novo at Celtek Genes, adding restriction endonuclease sites NdeI and BamHI at the N- and C-termini, respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 65) was subcloned into pET30a at those sites.

Recombinant non lipidated A12 fHBP (SEQ ID NO: 66) was expressed from pEB043 (SEQ ID NO: 67). The A12 allele was expression-optimized by Blue Heron Technologies. This gene was optimized by the same process as for A05 (pEB042). In addition, the Blue Heron optimized B44 SGGGGSGGGG (amino acid residues 2 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 44) amino terminal codons replaced the native A12 SSGGGG (amino acid residues 1 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 66) codons. The optimized sequence was synthesized de novo at Celtek Genes, adding restriction endonuclease sites NdeI and BamHI at the N- and C-termini, respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 67) was subcloned into pET30a at those sites.

Recombinant non lipidated A22 fHBP (SEQ ID NO: 68) was expressed from pEB058 (SEQ ID NO: 69). This gene was optimized by the same process as for pEB042. In addition, the Blue Heron optimized B44 SGGGG (amino acid residues 2 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 44) amino terminal codons replaced the native A22 SSGGGG (amino acid residues 1 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 68) codons. The optimized sequence was synthesized de novo at Celtek Genes, adding restriction endonuclease sites NdeI and BamHI at the N- and C-termini, respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 69) was subcloned into pET30a at those sites.

Recombinant A62 fHBP (SEQ ID NO: 71) was expressed from pLA164 (SEQ ID NO: 72). The A62_002 allele from strain 0167/03 was PCR amplified with primers containing restriction endonuclease sites NdeI and BamHI at the N- and C-termini, respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 72) was subcloned into pET30a at those sites.

Example 16: Expression, Fermentation, and Purification of Subfamily A rP2086 Proteins E. coli Expression Strains

BLR(DE3) E. coli B recA-transformed with pLA164 (SEQ ID NO: 72) was used for expression of A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71). Plasmid pEB042 (SEQ ID NO: 65) was transformed to E. coli host BD643 (W3110:DE3 ΔrecA ΔfhuA ΔaraA) to give strain BD660 for expression of A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55). Expression of A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) was from strain BD592 which consists of plasmid pEB058 (SEQ ID NO: 69) residing in host BD559 (which is also W3110:DE3 ΔrecA ΔfhuA ΔaraA). Lastly, plasmid pEB043 (SEQ ID NO: 67) was transformed to host BD483 (W3110:DE3 ΔrecA) to give strain BD540 for expression of A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66).

Fermentation

Expression strains were fermented in a glucose-based minimal medium. An overnight starter culture was inoculated to ten liter fermentors operated at 37° C., 1 wm aeration with cascade dO control at 20%. When batched glucose was exhausted from the medium (at ˜OD₆₀₀=15) a limiting linear glucose feed at 3.8 g/L/hr was initiated. The feed was continued up to induction with 0.1 mM IPTG and through the subsequent protein expression period. For expression of A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55), strain BD660 was induced at OD₆₀₀=25 and fermentation was continued through 7 hours post-induction (HPI). Expression of A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) and A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66) from strains BD592 and BD540, respectively, was achieved by inducing at OD₆₀₀=40 and fermenting for 24 HPI. At the end of the fermentation, cell pastes were collected by centrifugation.

A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71)

rP2086 proteins are produced as soluble proteins in the cytoplasm of E. coli strains. The soluble cytoplasmic extract is typically obtained by thawing frozen cells expressing a particular variant of the subfamily A of rP2086 in hypotonic buffer (10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH 7.4 containing protease inhibitors) and disrupting the cells in a Microfluidizer under ˜20,000 psi. RNase and DNAse are added to digest nucleic acids and the cytoplasmic extract is collected as the supernatant following centrifugation at low speed to remove any unbroken cells and then high speed (≥100,000×g) to remove membranes, cell walls and other larger subcellular components. The cytoplasmic extract is further clarified by sequential adjustments to 25% then 50% saturated ammonium sulfate and removal of precipitated material after each adjustment by low speed centrifugation. Low molecular weight ionic cell components are then removed by adsorbing the rP2086 in 50% ammonium saturated sulfate in a buffer of 10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH7.4, 1 mM Na₂EDTA to a hydrophobic interaction column (phenyl sepharose purchased from GE Healthcare) then eluting the rP2086 by linearly decreasing the ammonium sulfate concentration to 0% with a buffer of 10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH7.4, 1 mM Na₂EDTA. The majority of the negatively charged proteins are then removed by adjusting the rP2086 containing fractions to a buffer of 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.6, 1 mM Na2EDTA passage of the pooled fractions over an anion exchange column (TMAE purchased from EMD) equilibrated with the same buffer. The rP2086 is then further purified by chromatography on ceramic hydroxyapatite (obtained from BioRad) by exchanging the buffer containing the rP2086 to 10 mM Hepes-NaOH, pH7.4 containing 1 mM sodium phosphate adsorbing the protein to the ceramic hydroxyapatite then eluting with a linear gradient of sodium phosphate to 250 mM at pH 7.4. The unit operations listed above are often sufficient to yield purified rP2086 subfamily A members. However, since the expression level can vary over 10-fold, when the rP2086 is expressed at the lower end of the range or when ultra pure rP2086 is need (at high concentrations for NMR structural determinations) the following additional unit operations are added: chromatofocusing followed by ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography. The buffer containing rP2086 protein from the earlier hydroxyapatite step is exchanged to 25 mM Tris-acetate, pH8.3 and the protein is adsorbed to a chromatofocusing PBE94 column (obtained from GE Healthcare) equilibrated with the same buffer and then eluted with a buffer of polybuffer 94-acetate, pH 6. The rP2086 proteins will elute at their ˜pl and the fractions containing the protein are pooled. The buffer of the rP2086 containing fractions is then exchanged to 10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH7.4 containing 1 mM sodium phosphate and adsorbed and eluted as above. The rP2086 subfamily A members prepared by this process are typically >95% homogeneous by SDS-PAGE analysis and most often >99% homogeneous.

A05, A12 and A22 (SEQ ID NOs: 55, 66, and 68, Respectively)

At the end of fermentation, the cell slurry is recovered by continuous centrifugation and re-suspended to ˜1/4 the original fermentation volume in 20 mM Tris, 5 mM EDTA, pH 6.0. Lysis of the cell suspension is achieved by high-pressure homogenization (2 passes, 4000-9000 psi). To the homogenate is added DADMAC to a final concentration of 0.5%. The solution is stirred at 15-25° C. for 60 minutes during which time a heavy precipitate forms. The solution is clarified by continuous centrifugation. The proteins (A05, A12 and A22) are purified using two chromatographic steps followed by a final buffer exchange. The pH of the centrate is adjusted to 5.5 and loaded onto a GigaCap-S column (CEX). The protein binds to the resin and is subsequently eluted using a sodium chloride gradient. To the pool from the CEX column is added sodium citrate to a final concentration of 1.5 M, and the solution is loaded onto a Phenyl-650M column (HIC). The protein binds to the resin and is subsequently eluted using a sodium citrate step gradient. The HIC pool containing purified protein is exchanged into the final drug substance buffer by diafiltration. A 5 kD regenerated cellulose acetate ultrafiltration cassette is utilized. The protein concentration is targeted to 1.5-2.0 mg/mL. The diafiltered retentate is filtered through a 0.2 micron filter prior to filling into the storage bottles. Drug substance is stored at −70° C.

Example 17: Serum Bactericidal Assay

Functional antibody titers were examined by serum bactericidal assay (SBA) against wildtype or engineered Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains expressing fHBP either with sequences homologous or heterologous to those contained in the vaccine. Serum bactericidal antibodies in rabbits immunized with rP2086 vaccines were determined using SBAs with human complement. Rabbit immune sera was heat-inactivated to remove intrinsic complement activity and subsequently serially diluted two-fold in Dulbecco's PBS with Ca2+ and Mg2+(D-PBS) in a 96-well microtiter plate to test for serum bactericidal activity against N. meningitidis strains. For combination studies with engineered strains, sera of interest was mixed in a 1:1 ratio before the serial dilution described above, so the effective concentration of each component was half that when each was tested individually. Bacteria used in the assay were grown in GC media supplemented with Kellogg's supplement (GCK) and monitored by optical density at 650 nm. Bacteria were harvested for use in the assay at a final OD₆₅₀ of 0.50-0.55, diluted in D-PBS and 1000-3000 CFU were added to the assay mixture. Human serum with no detectable bactericidal activity was used as the exogenous complement source. Complement sources were tested for suitability against each individual test strain. For the isogenic strains, a single human serum was identified and qualified for SBAs against all isogenic strains. A complement source was used only if the number of bacteria surviving in controls without added immune sera was >75%. After a 30 minute incubation at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ and an agitation of 700 rpm on a shaker, D-PBS was added to the reaction mixture and aliquots transferred to microfilter plates prefilled with 50% GCK media for the wild type strains and 100% GCK media for the engineered strains. The microfilter plates were filtered, incubated overnight at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ and microcolonies were stained and quantified. The serum bactericidal titers were defined as the interpolated reciprocal serum dilution that yielded a 50% reduction in CFU compared to the CFU in control wells without immune sera. Susceptibility to killing by anti-rP2086 immune sera was established if there was a 4-fold or greater rise in SBA titer for anti-rP2086 immune sera compared to the corresponding pre-immune sera. Sera that were negative against the assay strain at the starting dilution were assigned a titer of one half the limit of detection for the assay.

Example 18: Immunogenicity of Non-Lipidated Variants of rP2086 Sub Family A Proteins

White New Zealand female rabbits (2.5-3.5 kg) obtained from Charles River (Canada) were used in two studies. For the first study, groups of 3 rabbits were immunized with either 30 mcg or 3 mcg each of either a lipidated A05 or a non-lipidated A05 fHBP formulation. For the second study, five rabbits/group were immunized intramuscularly at the right hind leg with with rP2086A variants at 20 μg/mL adjuvanted with 500 μg/mL of AlPO4 (0.5 ml/dose/two sites). Animals were vaccinated at weeks 0, 4 and 9, bled at weeks 0 and 6 and exsanguinated at week 10. LP2086 specific bactericidal antibody titers were determined at weeks 0, 6 and 10.

The goal of these studies was to mimic the reduced responses that are observed for immunologically naïve populations such as infants. First we compared a low and high dosage (30 vs 3 mcg per antigen per dose) of vaccines containing either lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13) or non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) (Tables 15A and 15B). Low dosages were used so that differences in the response rate could be discerned between each vaccine. SBA analysis was conducted using two strain sets. The first set consisted of wildtype strains that had caused invasive disease. The second was a genetically engineered strain set that had the same strain background and differed only by the sequence of the fHBP being expressed as follows: the N. meningitidis strain PMB3556, which expresses a B24 variant of fHBP, was engineered such that its endogenous fhbp gene was replaced with genes encoding for other fHBP variants. The constructs were designed such that only the region encoding the ORF was “switched” and the surrounding genetic background was left intact. SBA analysis using this strain set therefore allowed for evaluation of reactivity against different subfamily A fHBP proteins expressed at the same level and in the same genetic background using one source of human complement. All strains had fHBP expression levels that were above the threshold identified by Jiang et al (2010). As shown in Tables 15A and 15B, both the high and low dose levels of the lipidated A05-containing vaccine elicited broad protection across the genetically diverse subfamily A variants, whereas reduced responses were observed at both doses for the vaccine containing the non-lipidated A05 variant. This side-by-side comparison therefore revealed that, although the non-lipidated A05 variant is cross protective across subfamily A expressing strains, it is not as immunogenic as the lipidated variant which is more likely to form a native configuration (Tables 15A and 15B).

For the subsequent study, the dose level was raised to 10 mcg per non-lipidated subfamily A variant to assess each for its potential to provide broad coverage against subfamily A strains. SBA analysis reveal that at this raised dose level sera from rabbits immunized with non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55), A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71), A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66) and A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) fHBP variants all induced titers to wildtype strains expressing both homologous and heterologous subfamily A variants, indicating that all were cross-protective at this low dose within subfamily A. Therefore we observed that the N2C1 vaccine (A05) could generate antibodies that could kill the N1C2 (A22) and N2C2 (A12) variant strains and likewise vaccines from these other groups could kill strains with opposing variants. Under these conditions, it was observed that the A05 and A62 variants induced the highest SBA responder rates across strains (Table 16). Accordingly, this shows a protective effect across these variants.

TABLE 15A Lipidated A05 formulation Geometric Mean SBA Titers Lipidated A05 formulation 30 mcg dose 3 mcg dose fHBP variant strain name pre PD3 ≥4xrise pre PD3 ≥4xrise Wildtype A05 PMB1745 2 697 3 2 382 3 strains A12 PMB258 5 406 3 2 99 3 A22 PMB3570 2 956 3 3 185 3 A62 PMB3037 2 959 3 2 50 3 Isogenic A05 RD3040-A05 102 3424 3 38 583 3 strains A12 RD3044-A12 15 1233 3 8 183 3 A22 RD3042-A22 24 3289 3 6 582 3 A29 RD3043-A29 63 4086 3 19 1359 3

TABLE 15B Non-lipidated A05 formulation Geometric Mean SBA Titers Non-lipidated A05 formulation 30 mcg dose 3 mcg dose fHBP variant strain name pre PD3 ≥4xrise pre PD3 ≥4xrise Wildtype A05 PMB1745 2 1182 3 2 281 3 strains A12 PMB258 5 31 2 6 23 1 A22 PMB3570 2 76 3 2 11 2 A62 PMB3037 2 35 2 2 2 0 Isogenic A05 RD3040-A05 95 258 0 78 134 1 strains A12 RD3044-A12 34 228 2 50 105 1 A22 RD3042-A22 24 221 2 23 85 1 A29 RD3043-A29 36 326 3 52 267 2 Tables 15A and 15B. Geometric Mean SBA Titers against N. meningitidis group B strains of sera taken pre and post (PD3 = 10 weeks) immunization of rabbits (n = 3) with either 30 or 3 mcg vaccines containing lipidated or non-lipidated A05. The upper panels (labeled “wildtype strains”) of Tables 15A and 15B summarizes activity against clinical isolates. The lower panels (labeled “isogenic strains”) of Tables 15A and 15B summarizes activity against a set of isogenic strains which were engineered from the parental N. meningitidis strain (PMB3556) such that the entire ORF of its endogenous fHBP was replaced with either A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22 (SEQ ID NO: 15), A29 (SEQ ID NO: 74) or A12 (SEQ ID NO: 14) variants.

TABLE 16 The percentage of responders demonstrating at least 4-fold rise in SBA GMT levels over background from 10 week sera taken from rabbits immunized with 10 mcg of non-lipidated A subfamily fHBP variants against strains expressing A05, A62, A12 or A22 fHBP variants. Percent of Responders with >4 fold rise vaccine A05 A62 A12 A22 average A62 100 100 60 60 80 A05 80 80 60 80 75 A12 60 80 60 60 65 A22 60 60 40 40 50

Cross-protection was also observed for all variants using the isogenic strain set described above at the increased dose of 10 mcg, with sera from rabbits immunized with the A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 71) demonstrating the most cross-reactivity, followed by A05 anti-sera (Table 17). In addition, sera from rabbits immunized with the A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 71) showed reactivity to both the parental PMB3556 strain and the B09 switched strain (Table 18), indicating that cross-reactivity activity extends to subfamily B proteins. A62 appears to be composed of both subfamily A (A22) and subfamily B (B09) domains (FIG. 9).

Geometric Mean SBA Titers vs. Isogenic Strain Set RD3040- RD3042- RD3043- RD3044- PMB3556 A05 A22 A29 A12 (B24 parent) KA3011 Vaccine pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 A62 17 36 31 69 4 95 23 45 44 109 4 2 A05 7 67 5 64 20 132 16 58 34 40 3 2 A12 12 40 8 34 3 40 25 149 27 46 3 2 A22 9 46 13 36 5 30 13 38 28 34 4 2

TABLE 17 Percent of Responders (≥4-fold rise) Vaccine RD3040-A05 RD3042-A22 RD3043-A29 RD3044-A12 PMB3556 KA3011 A62 40 80 100 40 40 0 A05 80 80 60 40  0 0 A12 40 40 60 60 20 0 A22 80 40 60 60 20 0 Isogenic “switched” strains were engineered from the parental N. meningitidis strain (PMB3556) such that the entire ORF of its endogenous fHBP (a B24 variant) was replaced with either A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22 (SEQ ID NO: 15), A29 (SEQ ID NO: 74) or A12 (SEQ ID NO: 14) variants. KA3011 is a negative control strain (i.e. the parental PMB3556 whose fhbp gene has been deleted). The Geometric Mean SBA Titers (n = 5) of sera (taken before or 10 weeks after immunization of rabbits with three doses of 10 mcg non-lipidated A subfamily fHBP variants) against these strains is shown in the upper panel. The percentage of responders demonstrating at least a 4-fold rise in response over background is shown in the lower panel.

TABLE 18 Geometric mean SBA titers against isogenic subfamily B strains PMB3556 (parent) RD30337-B09 % responders % responders Vaccine pre PD3 (>4-fold rise) pre PD3 (>4-fold rise) A62 44 109 60 31 163 60 A05 34 40 0 32 28 0 A12 27 46 20 19 23 20 A22 28 34 0 29 30 0 The Geometric Mean SBA Titers of sera (taken before or 10 weeks after immunization of rabbits (n = 5) with 10 mcg non-lipidated subfamily A proteins (A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71); A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55); A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66); A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68)) against two subfamily B isogenic strains.

Example 19: Evaluation of the Effect of Combining Sera Raised Against Non-Lipidated Subfamily a Proteins on SBA

Combinations of serum were assessed to evaluate the effect on the breath of coverage. Paired pre vs post vaccination serum were tested to confirm that there was no non-specific killing induced as a result of combining the serum. The GM fold rise was calculated for the individual sera and for the combinations of serum across the 4 isogenic strains that represented diversity within subfamily A. Fold rise increases were detected for some of the combinations tested providing evidence that the breadth of coverage can be increased by including more subfamily A variants (Table 19). Optimal combinations appear to be A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) with A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) or A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) with A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66) (Table 20).

TABLE 19 SBA Titers of sera from the highest responders of each vaccine group were retested against the isogenic strain set as shown in Table 17. Sera was tested in one to one mixtures to determine the extent of synergistic activity. BC50 titer A05 A12 A62 AQ508-5 AQ509-4 AQ507-5 Fold Fold Fold Strain Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 rise RD3040-A05 2 98 49 2 65 33 3 14 5 RD3042-A22 2 116 58 2 94 47 2 81 40 RD3043-A29 3 368 123 2 198 99 5 54 11 RD3044-A12 2 37 19 3 486 162 3 45 15 GM fold rise 50 70 13 KA3011 2 2 1 2 2 1 9 5 1 BC50 titer A05 + A12 A05 + A62 A12 + A62 AQ508-5 + AQ509-4 AQ508-5 + AQ507-5 AQ509-4 + AQ507-5 Fold Fold Fold Strain Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 rise RD3040-A05 7 170 24 8 107 13 2 97 49 RD3042-A22 6 3418 570 6 160 27 2 181 91 RD3043-A29 2 509 255 7 1181 169 6 478 80 RD3044-A12 8 335 42 5 1302 260 7 3707 530 GM fold rise 110 63 117 KA3011 13 2 0 2 5 3 7 5 1

TABLE 20 The fold rise increase for sera tested in combination as compared to each tested alone (calculated from Table 19). Fold Rise Increase for Combination Vaccine vs Monovalent Combination A05 A12 A62 A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) + 2.2 1.6 A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66) A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) + 1.3 4.8 A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66) + 1.7 8.9 A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71)

The results presented above in Examples 18-19 show that non-lipidated subfamily A proteins are immunogenic and may provide protection against infection with N. meningitidis strains bearing either homologous or heterologous variants. The data presented here illustrates that selected non-lipidated subfamily A variants retain immunogenicity and provide cross-protection against heterologous strains, though these responses are lower than the lipidated variants. We also demonstrate that the A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) rP2086 antigen, having sequence similarity to subfamily B (see, for example, FIG. 9), may protect across the subfamilies because the A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) vaccine may kill strains expressing subfamily B variants B09 or B24).

The data presented above shows that not only are non-lipidated subfamily A variants capable of the type of synergy observed with combinations of lipidated fHBP, but also that they may provide coverage against B subfamily variants.

Example 20: Evaluation of Immunogenicity of the Combination of Factor H Binding Proteins and Tetravalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine in New Zealand White Rabbits

The study was carried out in New Zealand White rabbits in the 2.5-3.5 kg range obtained from Charles River, Canada (Table 21). Prior to entering the study, 55 rabbits were pre-screened for existing antibodies using whole cell ELISAs against strains A05 and B02. After the screening, the rabbits with relatively low antibody titers (specific IgG titers <350) were vaccinated intramuscularly at the hind legs, 0.5 mL per site (1.0 mL per dose, see Table 22) at weeks 0, 4, and 9. There were three rabbits per group. Rabbits were bled at weeks 0, 4, 6, 9, and exsanguinated at week 10. Serum samples were prepared and week 0 and 10 serum samples were analyzed by SBA. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MENVEO®, meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) oligosaccharide diphtheria CRM₁₉₇ conjugate vaccine, Novartis), bivalent rLP2086 and tetravalent non-lipidated variants and their combinations were prepared according to Tables 23-26.

TABLE 21 Rabbits Used in This Study Species: Rabbit Strain: New Zealand white Source:^(a) Charles River Laboratory No. of Animals Per Group:  3 Total No. of Animals: 30 Age and Sex: Male Weight: 2.5-3.5 kg ^(a)Rabbits were maintained in accordance with the established Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines. The design of the study is shown in Table 22.

TABLE 22 Experimental Design # of Vax Serum Group Rabbit Immunogen Adjuvant (wk) Prep 1 3 1 Human Dosage None 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 MENVEO/dose 1.0 mL/2 Exsang: sites Wk 10 2 3 1:10 Human Dosage None 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 MENVEO/dose 1.0 mL/2 Exsang: sites Wk 10 3 3 1 Human Dosage MENVEO + AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 30 μg rLP2086-A (A05 250 μg/ Exsang: (SEQ ID NO: 13)) + 30 μg dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 rLP2086-B (B01 (SEQ ID NO: 58))/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 4 3 1:10 Human Dosage AlPO₄ 0, Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 MENVEO + 3 μg rLP2086-A 250 μg/ 4, 9 Exsang: (A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13)) + dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 3 μg rLP2086-B (B01 (SEQ ID NO: 58))/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 5 3 30 μg rLP2086-A (A05 AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 (SEQ ID NO: 13)) + 250 μg/ Exsang: 30 μg rLP2086-B (B01 dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 (SEQ ID NO: 58)/dose 1.0 mL/ 2 sites 6 3 3 μg rLP2086-A (A05 (SEQ AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 ID NO: 13)) + 3 μg rLP2086- 250 μg/ Exsang: B (B01 (SEQ ID NO: dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 58)/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 7 3 Non-Lipidated rP2086-A05 AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 (SEQ ID NO: 55), B09 (SEQ 250 μg/ Exsang: ID NO: 49), B22 (SEQ ID dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 NO: 75), and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44), 30 μg each/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 8 3 Non-Lipidated rP2086-A05, AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 B09, B22, and B44, 3 μg 250 μg/ Exsang: each/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 9 3 1 Human Dosage MENVEO + AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 Non-Lipidated rP2086- 250 μg/ Exsang: A05, B09, B22, and B44, 30 μg dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 each/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 10 3 1:10 Human Dosage of AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 MENVEO + Non-Lipidated 250 μg/ Exsang: rP2086-A05, B09, B22, and dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 B44, 3 μg each/dose 1.0 mL/ 2 sites Summary of Formulations

TABLE 23 Formulations for Immunization Amount Presentation/ Provided for Material Function Formulation Appearance 3 doses MENVEO ® Active Novartis product Lyo A: White, 3 × 15 doses meningococcal contains fluffy cake (Groups A, C, Y Meningococccal Liquid C, Y, W- and W-135) groups A, C, Y and 135: Clear, oligosaccharide W-135 colorless diphtheria solution CRM₁₉₇ conjugate vaccine, Novartis rLP2086-A Active rLP2086 subfamily A White to off 3 × 15 (A05 (SEQ ID and B at 120 μg/mL white syringes NO: 13)), per protein in homogeneous (0.57 mL fill rLP2086-B Histidine pH 6.0, cloudy volume) (B01 (SEQ ID appox 0.005% PS80 suspension NO: 58)) with 0.5 mg/mL Al of AlPO₄ L44857-50 Active A05 (SEQ ID NO: Lyophilized; 3 × 15 vials MnB tetravalent 55), B44 (SEQ ID white fluffy cake (0.7 mL recon non-lipidated NO: 44), B22 (SEQ volume) ID NO: 75), and B09 (SEQ ID NO: 49) at 0.6 mg/mL formulated in 10 mM Histidine buffer, pH 6.5 with 0.01% PS80, 4.5% Trehalose, and WFI AlPO₄ Adjuvant AlPO₄, 60 mM NaCl, White to off 30 mL 0.5 mg/mL WFI white in 3 homogeneous glass vials cloudy 30 mL 0.25 mg/mL suspension in 3 glass vials 60 mM Saline Diluent NA Clear, colorless 3 × 20 vials solution (1.0 mL fill volume)

TABLE 24 Excipients and Container/Closure Information Formulation Lot # Source Excipients MENVEO ® MenCYW-135 Liquid Novartis The vaccine contains no Conjugate Component preservative or adjuvant. (091101) Each dose of vaccine MenA Lyophilized contains 10 μg MenA Conjugate Component oligosaccharide, 5 μg of (029011) each of MenC, MenY and MenW135 oligosaccharides and 32.7 to 64.1 μg CRM₁₉₇ protein. Residual formaldehyde per dose is estimated to be not more than 0.30 μg. (Unknown previously). rLP2086-A 962-UPD-09-007 v1.0 CSMD, Pfizer Histidine pH 6.0, appox (A05 (SEQ ID Pearl River, 0.005% PS80, 0.5 mg/mL NO: 13)), NY Al of AlPO₄ rLP2086-B (B01 (SEQ ID NO: 58)) MnB non- rPA05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) Formulation Histidine buffer, pH 6.5 lipidated (L35408-140), Development, (L44130-129), Polysorbate tetravalent rPB44(SEQ ID NO: 44) Pearl River, 80 (L44130-127), L44857-50 (L37024-36A), rPB22 NY Trehalose (L44863-68), (SEQ ID NO: 75) WFI (B|Braun J0A012) (L37024-61), rPB09 (SEQ ID NO: 49)(L43930-80) AlPO₄ 0.5 mg/mL: L44863-86A Pfizer Pearl AlPO₄ bulk H000000606- 0.25 mg/mL: L44863-86B River, NY D86864M 0.9% saline (B/Broun J0A017), WFI (B/Broun J0A012) 60 mM Saline 962-UPD-10-004 CSMD, Pfizer N/A Pearl River, NY Contain/Closure for MnB Tetravalent: Vials: 2 mL type-1 glass, West Pharmaceuticals Stoppers: 13 mm vial stoppers for lyophilization, gray butyl, coated with Flurotec (WPS V2-F451W 4432/50 Gray B2-TR Westar ® RU Verisure Ready-Pack), West Pharmaceuticals Contain/Closure for 60 mM Saline: Vials: 2 mL type-1 glass, Schott (Vendor Part #: 8M002PD-CS) Stoppers: 13 mm Daikyo D777-1, S2-F451, B2-40 Westar RS West, (Vendor Part #: 19560180) Container/Closure for AlPO₄ Solutions: Vials: Sterile Empty Vials, Size 30 mL-20 mm, Stoppers included, Allergy Laboratories, Lot # SEV070708A

TABLE 25 DATA ANALYSIS Analytical Tests of MnB non-lipidated Tetra-Antigen Lot L44857-50 Target B22, B09, B22 B09 A05 B44 A05, B44 Concentration Concentration Concentration Concentration Test (μg/mL) (μg/mL) (μg/mL) (μg/mL) (μg/mL) IEX-HPLC 60/60/60/60 59.7 61.9 64.1 63.0 pH 6.5 6.52 Appearance Clear, Lyo: White, fluffy cake. colorless Reconstitution (w/60 mM NaCl): Clear, colorless solution solution Moisture <3% 0.60% Lyophilized formulation was reconstitituted with Mobile Phase A during quantitation of B22, B09, A05, and B44 by IEX-HPLC, and with 60 mM NaCl diluent for pH and appearance. Karl-Fischer (ICH) method was used to measure moisture (using methanol to reconstitute lyophilized formulations).

TABLE 26 pH and Appearance of AlPO₄ Solutions Sample Lot # pH Appearance AlPO₄ @ 0.5 mg/mL L44863-86A 5.95 Cloudy, white to off white suspension AlPO₄ @ 0.25 mg/mL L44863-86B 5.91 Cloudy, white to off white suspension

Example 21: Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA)

A microcolony-based serum bactericidal assay (SBA) against multiple serogroup B, C and Y meningococcal strains (Table 27) was performed on individual serum samples. Human sera from donors were qualified as the complement source for the strain tested in the assay. Complement-mediated antibody-dependent bactericidal titers were interpolated and expressed as the reciprocal of the dilution of the test serum that killed 50% of the meningococcal cells in the assay. The limit of detection of the assay was an SBA titer of 4. An SBA titer of <4 was assigned number of 2. A 4-fold rise of SBA titers in the week 10 sera in comparison to the titers in the pre-bleed was calculated and compared.

TABLE 27 SBA Strains Serogroup fHBP Variant Strain name B A05 PMB1745 B B02 PMB17 B B09 PMB1489 B B16 PMB2882 B B44 PMB147 C A68 PMB2432 C B24 PMB2240 Y A121 PMB3386 Y B09 PMB3210

Example 22: Immunogenicity of the Combination of Lipidated or Non-Lipidated Factor H Binding Proteins and the Conjugated Vaccine in New Zealand White Rabbits

Serum bactericidal antibody is the immunologic surrogate of protection against meningococcal disease. Whether immunization with lipidated, non-lipidated rfHBP, tetravalent conjugate vaccines alone or in combination elicited bactericidal antibodies in rabbits was determined by SBA. SBA measures the level of antibodies in a serum sample by mimicking the complement-mediated bacterial lysis that occurs naturally. In humans a SBA titer of 1:4 is considered the protective; a four fold rise in titer, pre vs post immunization also considered to be an immunologically relevant immune response. Rabbit serum samples collected from weeks 0 and 10 were analyzed by SBA against strains of several meningococcal serogroups. As shown in Table 28 (higher dose) and 29 (lower dose), one week after the third immunization (week 10), the tetravalent conjugate vaccines only elicited SBA responses against MnC and MnY strains tested. All other serum samples displayed bactericidal activity against the homologous strains as well as other test strains from the same fHBP subfamily as in the vaccine formulations. It is noted that immunization with lipidated A05/B01 (SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 58, respectively) alone at 30 mcg dose each elicited the highest bactericidal antibodies against the homologous strains as well as against other tested strains from both fHBP subfamilies (Table 28). Similarly, immunization with non-lipidated A05/B09/B22/B44 (SEQ ID NOs: 55, 49, 75, and 44, respectively) alone also elicited bactericidal antibodies against strains of several meningococcal serogroups, even though the SBA titers were 3 to 15-folder lower than the lipidated bivalent vaccine (Table 30). A 100% responder rate 4-folder rise in an SBA titer) was achieved against all strains of various sergroups for lipidated fHBP, high dose of non-lipidated fHBP and all the combinations.

TABLE 28 Fold rise increase in SBA titers against meningococcus serogroup B, C and Y strains using sera from rabbits immunized with a higher dose combination of fHBPs and conjugate vaccine Fold Rise in PD3 SBA Titers MnC MnY MnB strains strains strains VACCINE Dose A05 B02 B09 B16 B44 A68 B24 A121 B09 MENVEO 1 hu 1 2 1 1 1 244 53 708 226 dose MENVEO/ 1 hu 349 871 279 806 2048 1592 401 1037 894 lipidated A05/B01 dose, proteins: 30 mcg each Lipidated A05/B01 30 mcg 591 624 745 842 1955 1926 344 595 905 each Non-lipidated 30 mcg 39 105 192 300 391 61 137 52 148 A05/B09/B22/B44 each MENVEO/non- 1 hu 34 98 108 113 178 219 125 299 135 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 30 mcg each Rabbits pre-bleed sera showed no pre-existing bactericidal activity against the tested strains. NZW rabbits (n = 3) were vaccinated at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 0.5 mL vaccine, im; data Wk 10

TABLE 29 Fold rise increase in SBA titers against meningococcus serogroup B, C and Y strains using sera from rabbits immunized with a lower dose combination of fHBPs and conjugate vaccine Fold Rise in PD3 SBA Titers MnC MnY MnB strains strains strains VACCINE Dose A05 B02 B09 B16 B44 A68 B24 A121 B09 MENVEO 1:10 hu 1 1 2 1 1 49 24 81 143 dose MENVEO/lipidated 1:10 hu 191 140 124 336 926 940 172 560 366 A05/B01 dose, proteins: 3 mcg each Lipidated A05/B01 3 mcg 142 164 440 246 834 476 162 515 294 each Non-lipidated 3 mcg 6 22 29 22 40 34 39 16 25 A05/B09/B22/B44 each MENVEO/non- 1:10 hu 10 52 76 60 158 102 100 122 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 3 mcg each Rabbits pre-bleed sera showed no pre-existing bactericidal activity against the tested strains. NZW rabbits (n = 3) were vaccinated at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 0.5 mL vaccine, im; data Wk 10

TABLE 30 SBA responder rates against meningococcus serogroup B, C and Y strains using sera from rabbits immunized with a combination of fHBPs and conjugate vaccine PD3 Responders (≥4 fold rise) MnC MnY MnB strains strains strains VACCINE Dose A05 B02 B09 B16 B44 A68 B24 A121 B09 MENVEO 1 hu dose 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100 100 MENVEO 1:10 hu 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100 100 dose MENVEO/lipidated 1 hu 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 A05/B01 dose, proteins: 30 μg each MENVEO/lipidated 1:10 hu 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 A05/B01 dose, proteins: 3 μg each Lipidated A05/B01 30 μg 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 each Lipidated A05/B01 3 μg each 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Non-lipidated 30 μg 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 A05/B09/B22/B44 each Non-lipidated 3 μg each 67 67 67 67 100 67 100 67 100 A05/B09/B22/B44 MENVEO/non- 1 hu 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 30 μg each MENVEO/non- 1:10 hu 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 3 μg each NZQ rabbits (n = 3) were vaccinated at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 0.5 mL vaccine, im; data Wk10 Lipidated fHBP Elicited Higher SBA Titers than the Non-Lipidated fHBP.

The lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per dose elicited 3-15-folder higher SBA titers to all the meningococcal B, C and Y strains tested. The non-lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per dose elicited 4-23-folder higher SBA titers to all the meningococcal B, C and Y strains tested (Tables 28-29).

Dose Titration was Achieved with the fHBPs, the Conjugate Vaccine or the Combinations

With a higher dose of conjugate vaccine, fHBPs or their combinations increased the SBA responses than with a lower dose (Tables 28-30). The one human dose of the conjugate vaccine elicited 2-8-folder high SBA titers against meningococcal C and Y strains than the one tenth dose of the conjugate vaccine. The lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per dose elicited 2-4 folder high SBA titers against all the strains tested than the 3 mcg each per dose. The non-lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per dose elicited 4-15-folder high SBA titers against all the meningococcal serogroups B, C and Y strains than the 3 mcg each per dose.

Synergistic SBA Responses by Combination of fHBP and Conjugate Vaccines

There is a trend that the SBA responses are higher against meningococcal serogroups C and Y strains when the combination of conjugate vaccine and fHBP was used than by using either component alone, especially with the addition of a lower dose of lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP (Table 29). In the present study, the functional activity was evaluated against strains of several meningococcal serogroups using sera from New Zealand white rabbits immunized with recombinant lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP in formulation with AlPO₄ and the conjugate vaccine alone or in combination. Rabbits receiving the conjugate vaccine elicited SBA responses only against meningococcal serogroup C and Y strains, but not to the serogroup B strains. The lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP in formulation with AlPO₄ elicited serum antibodies which were bactericidal against strains of all the meningococcal serogroups tested.

New Zealand white rabbits receiving three doses of the lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP in formulation with AlPO₄ elicited serum antibodies which were bactericidal against meningococcal serogroups B, C and Y strains tested. A 100% of responder rate (≥4-folder rise in an SBA titer) was achieved against all the strains tested except the lower dose non-lipidated group.

The lipidated fHBP elicited greater bactericidal antibody titers than the non-lipidated forms. A clear dose response was observed with the lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP and the conjugate vaccine alone or in combinations.

There is a trend of synergistic SBA responses against meningococcal serogroup C and Y strains between the conjugate vaccine and fHBP especially at the addition of lower dose proteins.

Example 23: Evaluation of the Immunogenicity of Combinations of Non-Lipidated Factor H Binding Proteins in New Zealand White Rabbits

Studies were carried out in New Zealand White rabbits in the 2.5-3.5 kg range obtained from Charles River, Canada (Table 31). Rabbits were vaccinated intramuscularly at the hind leg, 0.5 mL per site (1.0 mL per dose, see Table 32) at weeks 0, 4 and 9. The Sequence ID Numbers for each of the antigens tested are listed in Table 33. There were 10 rabbits per group. Rabbits were bled at weeks 0, 6 and exsanguinated at week 10. Serum samples were prepared and week 0 and 10 serum samples were analyzed in the SBA against a panel of N. meningitidis isolates.

TABLE 31 Rabbits Used in these Studies^(a) Species Rabbit Strain New Zealand White Source Charles River Laboratory Number Animals per group 10 Sex Female Weight 2.5-3.5 kg ^(a)Rabbits were maintained in accordance with established Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines

TABLE 32 Study Design^(a) AlPO₄ # of Antigenic composition (0.25 mg/ rabbits fHBP Variants Lipidated Dose dose) 10 A62 + B44 No 10 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A62 + B44 No 10 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 10 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No  5 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A12 + B09 + B44 No  5 mcg each Yes 10 A12 + A62 + B09 + B44 No  5 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A12 + A62 + No  5 mcg each Yes B09 + B44 10 A05 + B01 Yes 10 mcg each Yes ^(a)Rabbits were vaccinated intramuscularly (weeks 0, 4 and 9) and bled (weeks 0, 6 and 10) to prepare serum samples for SBA analysis

TABLE 33 N. meningitidis Serogroup B fHBP Protein Variants Used rP2086-A05 SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 55, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 54 rP2086-A12 SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 66, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 67 rP2086-A62 SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 71, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 72 rP2086-B09 SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 49 rLP2086-B44 SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 44, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 43 rLP2086-A05 SEQ ID NO: 76 rLP2086-B01 SEQ ID NO: 58

Table 34 summarizes the immune response in rabbits to mixtures of non-lipidated fHBP proteins compared to the immune response to the rLP2086-A05 and rLP2086-B01 pair of lipidated antigens. Rabbit pre-bleed sera generally showed no pre-existing bactericidal activity against the tested strains. The immune response is presented as the percent of animals in each treatment group that respond to the respective combinations of fHBP antigens following the third immunization with an increase in SBA titer of ≥4 fold. The SBA assay was performed using target N. meningitidis strains that either express fHBP variants identical to the vaccine immunogen (A05, A12), or strains that express heterologous fHBP variants (A22, B16, B24). The comparative amino acid sequence identity of the A22 fHBP variant diverges up to 15% from the subfamily A variants tested. Similarly, the comparative amino acid sequence identity of the B16 and B24 fHBP variants diverges up to 12% from the subfamily B variants included as antigens.

TABLE 34 Percent of New Zealand White Rabbits Vaccinated with Recombinant Non-lipidated fHBPs that Respond With a ≥4 Fold Rise in SBA Titers Post-Dose Three Dose per % Responders at PD3 with antigen ≥4X rise SBA Titers Immunogen^(a) Lipidated (mcg/0.5 mL) A05 A12 A22 B16 B24 A62 + B44 No 10 nd 50 100 100 50 A05 + A62 + B44 No 10 nd 40 80 80 60 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 10 nd 60 100 100 100 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 5 nd 40 40 100 70 A05 + A12 + B09 + B44 No 5  60 40 60 60 60 A12 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 5 100 70 100 100 70 A05 + A12 + A62 + B09 + No 5 100 100 100 100 60 B44 A05 + B01 Yes 10 nd 80 90 100 90 ^(a)10 animals per treatment group; all treatments formulated with AlPO₄ adjuvant (250 mcg/dose)

In those groups of rabbits immunized with 10 mcg of each test rP2086 variant, serum samples from animals treated with the combination of A05+A62+B09+B44 had the highest bactericidal response rate. The SBA response was somewhat reduced in animals treated with only 5 mcg each of the same mixture of four non-lipidated fHBP variants. Other 4-valent groups of fHBP antigens dosed at 5 mcg did as well as the combination of non-lipidated A05+A62+B09+B44. Of the 4-valent combinations tested, serum samples from the treatment group that included 5 mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP variants A12+A62+B09+B44 had the best SBA response rates for the selected assay strains. The response rate to the pentavalent non-lipidated combination of A05+A12+A62+B09+B44 is somewhat better than the response to any of the 4-valent combinations tested. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated polypeptide consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 66. 2. The polypeptide according to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide is immunogenic.
 3. The polypeptide according to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide does not exhibit a mass shift of about +70 Da compared to the corresponding non-lipidated polypeptide as measured by mass spectrometry.
 4. An immunogenic composition comprising an isolated non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated polypeptide consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 66. 5. The composition according to claim 4, further comprising an adjuvant. 